The Owner’s Guide to the Body

“The Owner’s Guide to the Body is a refreshingly accessible and informative read by one of the UK’s foremost Hellerwork practitioners, Roger Golten. In it, he shines a light on the often-overlooked basics of everyday movement—breathing, standing, sitting, and, perhaps most intriguingly, squatting. One particularly memorable insight: sitting is simply an interrupted squat.

Roger goes on to explain the many benefits of squatting, especially for spinal health and elimination. Yes, you read that right—he squats on the toilet. Having given it a go myself, I can confirm it’s a surprisingly effective (if occasionally acrobatic) method. The result? A more natural, thorough, and even time-saving bathroom experience.

Even if squatting isn’t quite your thing, the book is packed with brilliant (and far less acrobatic) insights. One of my favourites is the principle of “pushing down to go up.” When seated, you simply lean forward until your weight shifts onto your legs—particularly the thighs—and then press down through your feet to stand. This simple adjustment is especially helpful for those with lower back pain, as it transfers the effort to the large, well-equipped leg muscles, reducing strain on the spine.

Mr Golten brings both passion and deep expertise to his work. In an age of intense specialisation—and increasingly common backaches—it’s refreshing to see someone return to the fundamentals of how we live and move. An enlightening and enjoyable read.

Order your copy today for just £3.55 (plus shipping).”