The Mensendieck system is a therapeutic movement technique that is both corrective and preventive. It was invented by German medical doctor Bess M. Mensendieck (c.1866–1959), who developed a series of exercises to reshape, rebuild and revitalize the body and relieve pain.
She published several books on the subject starting with Körperkultur der Frau [Physical Culture of the Woman], 1906.
A student of the approach learns to use his conscious will to relax muscles and release tension. There are more than 200 exercises that emphasize correct and graceful body movement through everyday activities such as housework. The work is done undressed or in a bikini bottom, in front of mirrors which allows the student to observe and feel where a movement originates.
Between the 1930s and 1950s the system gained some popularity among Hollywood stars. Ingrid Bergman, Fredric March, Gloria Swanson and Cissy Pascal, the wife of novelist Raymond Chandler all endorsed the Mensendieck system.