Return to Center

Wow, an exercise book that actually uses real science! I fell in love with this book, as Snyder's method focuses on balance (hence the title), but through attaining alignment in the body.

There's a large disconnect between our everyday movements and our fitness routines; we deadlift, we squat, we press, we plank, despite the fact that these exercises don't necessarily strengthen our bodies in a balanced way, as exercise science and physiology have always focused on isolating muscle groups, despite this approach being counterproductive. That's why many of us who take up weight lifting or CrossFit end with uneven toning, injuries, and pain from overworking one area. This then makes our bodies less 'fit' or optimal.

He also focuses on the fitness industries lack of use of real science, for the price of appearance. Everything is about looking jacked or toned, rather than actually strengthening our bodies or improving our health. His program offers a counterbalance to this, with an approach that isn't one-size-fits-all and that focuses on strengthening our weakest muscles or points of fitness, rather than always doing the same number of reps to both your dominant and nondominant sides (which just results in unevenness).

A great book for anyone looking for a refreshing, scientific-approach to fitness.

I thought this book was brilliant, so informative and lots of QR codes to link to useful videos. Gives a clear understanding of how the body works and how to get the body returned to center. I will certainly be recommending this book to friends

Rocky Snyder's approach to the fitness industry is a fascinating one, exploring the balance to the body, an area which is overlooked and ignored by most exercise books. Taking a more scientific approach he introduces the reader to a host of exercises and stretches to help bring balance to the body to fix any occurring aches and pains.
Return to Center explains how the body can come out of alignment and how we adjust to any minor or major injuries which can lead to what appears to be unconnected issues later on, sometimes years later. Along with the videos on his website and the strengthening exercises in the book, this is a great resource for anyone who wants to ensure they clear any injuries or remain free of them in years to come.

Living in the Santa Cruz area, I’ve long regarded Rocky Snyder (owner of local fitness center “Rocky’s) as a local treasure, knowing him as the owner of a local gym/fitness center that offers a variety of options/trainers for people interested in improving their health and fitness.

Rocky definitely has the credentials: he is a “Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, Certified in Applied Functional Science, NASM-Corrective Exercise Specialist, a licensed US Soccer Coach and a USA Weightlifting Coach.” He has a regular program on local radio stations, has also written books (“Fit to Surf,” “Fit to Paddle,” and “Fit to Ski and Snowboard”), and has a website (https://rockysfitnesscenter.com/) with a ton of great information, videos, link to his blog, etc. In his latest book, Return to Center, he takes a scientific approach to fixing problems that may have popped up, putting the body out of balance (literally “off center”). Thanks to Mascot Books and NetGalley, I had the opportunity to receive a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This isn’t just another “here’s how to have a body like mine” book. In addition to many stories about physical problems he has seen, and how they were addressed, there are detailed photos to assist in a self-evaluation. For example, do the knees point in the same direction as the feet? Is the pelvis tilted or rotated? What about the ribs? Spine? etc. In addition, he discusses proper gait, body shapes, and the selection of the proper exercises (rather than the approach at many gyms, where a person is shown a routine using machines, and they basically try to do it over and over…often giving up, which helps the gym owner have space for new dues-paying members. There are also charts to assist in designing your own exercise routine.

It’s informative, science-based, and entertaining. Reading Return To Center is not as good as having a trainer who is more about helping YOU than about how THEY look in the mirror, but definitely a great resource. Five stars.