Why am I passionate about this?

I love to move and help others move. Movement is at the core of everything I do. In my clinic, I improve the movement of elite athletes and people in pain. I was determined that writing, usually a sedentary occupation, would further my movement exploration. My book reflects my physical and cognitive journey towards a flexible, fluid, and adaptable core can deal with the day-to-day requirements of life. It outlines principles for tailored, individualistic training to improve core function and enhance the movement of everyone. 


I wrote

Core: A Science-Backed Approach to Exercising and Understanding Our Central Anatomy

By Owen Lewis,

Book cover of Core: A Science-Backed Approach to Exercising and Understanding Our Central Anatomy

What is my book about?

My book adopts a holistic and practical approach to demystifying the core. It considers its physical significance to movement and…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Thorax: An Integrated Approach

Owen Lewis Why did I love this book?

Each time I read this book, I find new depths of understanding. I appreciate its readability while maintaining a stunning level of precision and accuracy. This book reflects my own clinical process and acts as a practical guide.

It is based upon working with real clients and is supported, not handcuffed, by research. I have often found anatomy books to be dry and singular in topic, whereas this book is rich and multilayered.

I now have a deeper understanding of the thorax through the lens of this cohesive, complex system view of the whole body.  

By Diane Lee, Catherine Ryan, Nancy Keeney Smith

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Thorax as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This clinical textbook will update the reader on the relevant anatomy, known biomechanics, clinical assessment, musculoskeletal conditions and treatment of the thorax and how these relate to the function of the whole body. An integrated biopsychosocial model (the Integrated Systems Model - ISM) will be highlighted in this text and used as a foundation for clinicians to organize their knowledge from multiple sources. The text emphasizes the current suggestion from the evidence that treatment be individualized and that clinical reasoning form the basis for treatment decisions.

Richly illustrated with 3D-rendered colour anatomical drawings, and over 250 clinical photographs, The Thorax:…


Book cover of Born to Walk: Myofascial Efficiency and the Body in Movement

Owen Lewis Why did I love this book?

If Lao Tzu had written a book on anatomy in movement, this would be it. This book took me on a journey of a thousand steps from the first step.

I found the insights into the complexity of movement simple but not simplistic. Utilizing comparative anatomy gave me a new perspective and color to my understanding. Evolutionary anatomy allows a depth of comprehension of why humans have become such efficient walkers.

The construction of this book allowed me to see the four-dimensional puzzle of gait with clarity and curiosity I did not think possible. Using this book directly for my work as a bodyworker, going for a walk becomes ever more fascinating.

By James Earls,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Born to Walk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Born to Walk is designed to help movement therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, and bodyworkers understand gait and its mechanics, and will appeal to anyone with an interest in evolution and movement. It offers a concise model for understanding the complexity of movement while gaining a deeper insight into the physiology and mechanics of the walking process.

This second and revised edition provides new research on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment approaches to enhance gait efficiency. Changes include:

* Updated information and research on myofascial continuities
* More clearly arranged according to planes of movement
* New informative illustrations based…


Book cover of Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance

Owen Lewis Why did I love this book?

My own clinical approach is based on subtly working with the body. This book gives me many other necessary tools. A stronger, harsh, even brutal approach, which is sometimes necessary, can be found within these pages.

This book remains part of my ‘go-to’ guide for the constant prehab and rehab of everyday life. I love to row, a tough sport that requires a tailored approach to prevent injuries and guide me through land-based exercises.

On a theoretical side, I recognize many good fundamental principles that apply to other areas of movement once mastered. 

By Kelly Starrett, Glen Cordoza,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Becoming a Supple Leopard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Revised and expanded edition! Improve your athletic performance, extend your athletic career, treat body stiffness and achy joints, and rehabilitate injuries - all without having to seek out a coach, doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or masseur. In Becoming a Supple Leopard , Kelly Starrett - founder of MobilityWod.com - shares his revolutionary approach to mobility and maintenance of the human body and teaches you how to hack your own human movement, allowing you to live a healthy, happier, more fulfilling life.


Book cover of Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding

Owen Lewis Why did I love this book?

It seems I read either novels or scientific papers—page-turners or ‘can I get through this? ’ papers. Then, a book arrives that reads like a novel with the content any scientist would love.

Instantly applicable, it created questions where once I had only accepted norms. This book allowed me to question if I, too, was exercised about exercise. The militant and provocative nature of doing the ‘right’ thing without questioning the status quo. This book becomes a philosophical work that has driven my own understanding of the why that now underpins my own movement. 

By Daniel Lieberman,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Exercised as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

If exercise is healthy (so good for you!), why do many people dislike or avoid it? These engaging stories and explanations will revolutionize the way you think about exercising—not to mention sitting, sleeping, sprinting, weight lifting, playing, fighting, walking, jogging, and even dancing.

“Strikes a perfect balance of scholarship, wit, and enthusiasm.” —Bill Bryson, New York Times best-selling author of The Body

• If we are born to walk and run, why do most of us take it easy whenever possible?
• Does running ruin your knees?
• Should we do weights, cardio, or high-intensity training?
• Is sitting really…


Book cover of Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals

Owen Lewis Why did I love this book?

Sometimes, a book comes along at just the right moment to act as a catalyst for change. This book made fascia famous and fashionable.

The imaginative dissections and clear anatomical knowledge allow a significantly more connected view of the body. Now somewhat dated it is still a useful and necessary introductory text. For many years I taught these concepts, so this book was my ticket to traveling the world and meeting and teaching incredible people.

This book was the catalyst I needed to develop the Born to Move concept, which continues to develop the worldwide understanding of relational anatomy through movement. 

By Thomas W. Myers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Anatomy Trains as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Get a multi-dimensional understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy with Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists & Movement Professionals, 4th Edition. This hugely successful, one-of-a-kind title continues to center on the application of anatomy trains across a variety of clinical assessment and treatment approaches - demonstrating how painful problems in one area of the body can be linked to a "silent area" away from the problem, and ultimately giving rise to new treatment strategies. This edition has been fully updated with the latest evidence-based research and includes new coverage of anatomy trains in motion using Pilates-evolved movement, anatomy trains in horses…


Explore my book 😀

Core: A Science-Backed Approach to Exercising and Understanding Our Central Anatomy

By Owen Lewis,

Book cover of Core: A Science-Backed Approach to Exercising and Understanding Our Central Anatomy

What is my book about?

My book adopts a holistic and practical approach to demystifying the core. It considers its physical significance to movement and its central role in our overall well-being. The core may be a well-known, well-used term, but it is often poorly understood and defies definition. It is this uncertainty that allows the core to be adaptable, fluid, and a strong transferer of force. 

My book considers the psychology and morality of posture from a wider perspective. It examines how the history of the corset is reflected in today’s six-pack culture, with implications for our physical and psychological well-being. This book allows the reader to train functionally. It gives the reader the principles to create a tailored exercise program for individually specific training and improved core function.

Book cover of The Thorax: An Integrated Approach
Book cover of Born to Walk: Myofascial Efficiency and the Body in Movement
Book cover of Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,206

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

Locked In Locked Out: Surviving a Brainstem Stroke

By Shawn Jennings,

Book cover of Locked In Locked Out: Surviving a Brainstem Stroke

Shawn Jennings Author Of Locked In Locked Out: Surviving a Brainstem Stroke

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Shawn's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

Can there be life after a brainstem stroke?

After Dr. Shawn Jennings, a busy family physician, suffered a brainstem stroke on May 13, 1999, he woke from a coma locked inside his body, aware and alert but unable to communicate or move. Once he regained limited movement in his left arm, he began typing his story, using one hand and a lot of patience. 

With unexpected humour and tender honesty, Shawn shares his experiences in his struggle for recovery and acceptance of his life after the stroke. He affirms that even without achieving a full recovery life is still worth…

Locked In Locked Out: Surviving a Brainstem Stroke

By Shawn Jennings,

What is this book about?

Can there be life after a brainstem stroke?

After Dr. Shawn Jennings, a busy family physician, suffered a brainstem stroke on May 13, 1999, he woke from a coma locked inside his body, aware and alert but unable to communicate or move. Once he regained limited movement in his left arm, he began typing his story, using one hand and a lot of patience.

With unexpected humour and tender honesty, Shawn shares his experiences in his struggle for recovery and acceptance of his life after the stroke. He affirms that even without achieving a full recovery life is still worth…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in physiology, physical therapy, and evolutionary biology?

Physiology 88 books