The science book series Stretch, Hold, Move, & Leap! The Science of Yoga, Pilates, & Ballet Volumes 1, 2, & 3 by M. Schottenbauer, Ph.D., contain a treasure-chest of graphs filled with physics and biophysics variables. The following are a small sample of the many questions which can be explored in this series of books!
Activity Questions for Volume 1: Force & Acceleration!
- What does a flat step on a force plate look like? (Find the answer on page 27!) What about stepping on toe? (Answer on page 30!) What is the difference between these two motions?
- During Pilates arm circles, does anything happen to the feet? (Find the answer on page 22!)
- Describe the forces and reactions involved in toe lifts, first from the perspective of the mover, then from the perspective of a force plate underneath the feet. (Find the answer in the graph above!)
Activity Questions for Volume 2: Biophysics!
- What are the effects of spinal twists on blood pressure and pulse? (Find the answer on page 88!)
- In order to lower blood pressure immediately, is it better to do a partial inversion with legs raised, or 15 minutes of aerobic exercise? (Answer on pages 88-90!)
- Compare the flow rate and volume of normal breathing with slow and fast yoga breathing (pranayama), respectively. (Answers on pages 80-83!)
Activity Questions for Volume 3: Plots of Motion!
- Do Pilates arm circles look different in an x-y plot when graphed from the front view, when compared to arm circles graphed from the side view? (Answer on page 10-11!)
- The Science of Yoga, Pilates, & Ballet
- Volume 1: Force & Acceleration
- Volume 2: Biophysics
- Volume 3: Video Analysis
Anthologies of 28 Graphs
- The Science of Yoga
- The Science of Dance & Ballet
Related books, appropriate for younger students, include the following:
Geometry Workbooks
- The Geometry of Yoga
- The Geometry of Ballet
Additional information on these and related book series is available on the author's blog on Sport Science Education.
Additional Information
Schottenbauer Publishing
