I like to read.  I don’t read much as I would like as I usually only get the chance when I get into bed at night and by the time I’ve read a page or so the book is falling on my face and I’m ready to pass out!

I read almost anything as long as it’s going to keep me interested.  And yes, as you could guess I’m more than happy to read something to do with health and fitness!  So when I was approached to do a review of Jason T Smith’s new book “Get Yourself Back in Motion” I was more than happy to flip the pages. 

“Get Yourself Back in Motion” is in his own words “A physiotherapist’s secrets to pain relief and optimal health”.  Jason believes that as “we’ve become a sedentary culture so we simply are not moving as much as as well today.  The increasing incidence of obesity, heart disease and diabetes are fatal testaments to this being true.”
This book is more of a resource manual to enable readers to “self manage” injuries, illnesses and guide the reader to make better choices and decisions for improved health.

Jason T Smith speaks from experience being one of Australia’s leading Physiotherapists.
Jason felt that there were a large number of clients, both elite athletes and amateurs, who make mistakes when dealing with their injuries by not taking on board the advice of professionals or not listening to their body in general leading to these injuries becoming chronic.

What I like about this book is that
* Each chapter covers a specific topic with a “call to action” and “Health Secrets” at the end that encourage you to question your current practices and give you ideas on how to make changes that will benefit your health.  They are a great reminder to listen to your own body and be a little more in tune with it.


Do you see my sticky notes … reminders for me!

* The book is written in easy to understand, plain language that allows the every day person to follow.  He makes you feel empowered to be able to put some of these suggestions into practice, even suggesting basic exercises that you can do at home.
 
* The author takes a no nonsense approach in advising us that we all need to make our health much more of a priority than we do or deal with the possible long term effects of our neglect.  He believes there is too much focus on quick fixes and not having to make an effort. I completely agree with him here!

What I didn’t like about this book
* There wasn’t really anything that I didn’t like. 
* Oh, there is no quick fix! What!

Would I recommend Get Yourself Back in Motion?  Yes, I would recommend it more as a reference manual, which is what I will be using it for.  It isn’t really necessary to read it from cover to cover unless, like me, you lap this stuff up!

To give you an idea of what Jason Smith talks about throughout his book, here is his top 6 tips for good physical health …

1  Moving well is at the core of true positive health.  Move more intentionally, everyday.  Avoid a sedentary life.  Be physical.
2  It is not normal to be in pain or carry injuries.  Don’t ignore pain, niggles, aches or stiffness.  Get your body properly assessed and overcome the pain for life.  Early intervention is key.
3.  Pay attention to your posture – static and dynamic.  Lifelong physical health depends on daily habits that encourage correct posture and core stability.
4  You truly are what you eat; your food is your medicine.  Limit processed foods and pay attention to volume and content.
5  Health is a lifetime investment.  True health comes with daily management.  Take care of your body every day through movement, lifestyle and nutrition.
6  Set personal health goals and make yourself accountable to a ‘health coach’ – it could be a professional ( eg physiotherapist ) or a trusted friend.

Simple really!

Here’s the fun part!  If you would like to get your hands on your own copy of Get Yourself Back in Motion we will be giving away three copies.

To enter please leave a comment and tell me about your experiences with Physiotherapists and whether you have been successful or not in the past with “self diagnosis” ..
*If you are posting anonymously please leave me some details so that I can get in contact with you if you win

And the fine print …
This competition is hosted by fitmumsblog.blogspot.com.au and the prize is one of three copies of the book “Get Yourself Back in Motion” .  The competition opens 14/02/2013 and closes 12am 21/02/2013. The winner will be drawn 22/02/13 at random with the help of random.org and will be notified by email as soon as possible after the draw. The prize will be posted to the winner within 21 days. The competition is open to entrants with an Australian address only. I was provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Should the winner not contact me within 48 hours the prize will be forfeited and re-drawn.