Zone Mind, Zone Body

Roy Palmer
Ecademy Press (2006)
ISBN 9781905823062
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (10/07)


Ever heard the saying ‘it’s all in your head?’ Author Roy Palmer has taken that phrase and is literally running with it.  As a teacher of the Alexander Technique, he explains why and how in his book, “Zone Mind, Zone Body:  How to break through to new levels of fitness and performance – by doing less!” 

As an athlete, Palmer understands the need for continual improvement; but what happens when your skill plateaus?  He insists that this peak can be overcome but not by training harder.  Instead, “Zone Mind, Zone Body” explains how to train smarter – by paying closer attention to one’s own movements and staying in ‘the moment.’  He calls achieving this elevated state ‘The Zone’ and explains that many athletes have experienced it, but it’s only to their surprise.  “Athletes will suddenly find themselves in it.  Then as soon as they acknowledge it, they lose it.”  Palmer strives to teach focus and awareness of the body and surroundings, making this physical nirvana more attainable on purpose, and with purpose. 

Although written with the serious sports participant in mind, “Zone Mind, Zone Body” can be applied by the casual player and the non-athlete as well.  Palmer’s small adjustments to normal or unconscious movements alleviate unnecessary stress to the body and minimize energy wasted on avoidable tension.  Further, he notes that these techniques can even be used during everyday repetitive tasks such as mowing the lawn!

“Zone Mind, Zone Body” is an enlightening read that will inspire the frustrated athlete, better train the novice enthusiast, and teach anyone to live in this open-minded ‘moment.’  Palmer’s strategy, although seemingly beyond one’s reach at first, is vividly described with plenty of practice exercises and pictures for the reader to really feel what he’s getting at.  His style is one of encouraging enthusiasm – the testimony of a tried-and-true believer -  keeping the reader interested in delving deeper into these ‘mind over matter’ principles. 

Author Roy Palmer isn’t your typical sports fanatic.  He’s a transcended athlete – finding that indescribable place where time, ego, and fear become hushed as a synergy of mind and body take over.  Where the moment is only about the athlete and his game and where sport is not just about physical endurance but about using the intellect and muscular mechanics to push ourselves further than we ever thought possible.  “Zone Mind, Zone Body” is simply brains and brawn in one. 

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