Book Review: The Align Method by Aaron Alexander

Aaron Alexander doesn’t crash down into a chair. First, he examines the space around it and pulls the chair away from the table. Then, he squats into the chair and tucks his left knee up to his chest while his left foot rests on the seat his right leg hangs off the side. Finally, he straightens up his neck and pulls the microphone toward him rather than hunching over to meet the mic. Now, he’s ready for our interview.

When Aaron takes his chair with careful consideration of his body he’s practicing what he preaches. His body alignment is the product of his 16 year commitment to holistic wellness through movement. His philosophy is about more than sitting up straight too. Through Aaron’s new book The Align Method, he teaches readers to work with their bodies to change their moods, alleviate pain, manage tension, and even look more attractive. Each element of the book is backed up with both ancient wisdom and cutting-edge scientific research. On one page, Aaron will point to the practice of daily calls to prayer in Marrakech, Morocco as a valuable mix of walking, stretching, meditating, and engaging with community. On the next, he cites research from the Mayo Clinic that encourages similar practices.

“All parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labors in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well developed and age more slowly, but if unused they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly.” -Hippocrates

Aaron is quick to point out that each person will need to implement practices for effective movement in their own way, but there are also general principles to try right away.
1. Harness Your Senses: Be mindful of what you feel, because it is often your best guidance in developing your fitness.
2. Take Control of Your Environment: The space you live in will influence your wellbeing and your ability to create or break habits. Make the effort to design your space to serve you better.
3. Commit to Five Daily Movements: The Align Method goes deep on the movements we all need in order to thrive. They are (1) Floor Sitting, (2) Nasal Breathing, (3) Hip Hinging, (4) Hanging, and (5) Walking.

If you read Aaron’s book or look into his other media, you’ll see that he’s interested in physical fitness as a path to improve quality of life. In the past, he pursued bodybuilding to insulate himself from personal struggles, but it left him feeling, “Ashamed and out of place.” Now, he’s committed to developing as a whole person and sharing his journey with others.

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -Rumi

To learn from Aaron Alexander’s personal experience and 16 years of professional experience, check out his new book, The Align Method.