Exercise and Diet
The Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais method is a type of bodywork that uses gentle motions that help people enhance the connection between their minds and their bodies by regulating their movement in small, precise ways. Russian-born Moshe Feldenkrais, DSc, developed the method in the mid-20th century after he suffered a devastating knee injury. Dr. Feldenkrais was one of the first scientists who believed that retraining the body could retrain the brain (neuroplasticity). Today's findings on neuroplastcity support his theory. Certified Feldenkrais practitioners are required to receive nearly 1,000 hours of training over four years to best understand the body’s movement. They also learn teach clients how to access mental awareness to use their bodies less habitually and with less effort.
Getting Started
The Feldenkrais method is generally taught in small classes called "Awareness Through Movement" or private one-to-one sessions called "Functional Integration." Participants range in age and ability and may include professional athletes or dancers as well as people suffering from medical conditions that cause loss of function and/or chronic or acute pain in the back, neck, shoulder, arm, hip, leg or knee.
Feldenkrais Awarness Through Movement classes follow a similar structure to yoga or Pilates classes and include a teacher guiding students through a series of targeted – but comfortable – movements. Students are generally sitting, lying and standing throughout the classes, which range from 30 to 60 minutes in length. The lessons become more complex as students become more advanced in the practice and are able to achieve enhanced levels of both awareness and movement.
Feldenkrais practitioners credit the method with improving self-image, flexibility, coordination, range of motion and overall physical and mental functioning. By increasing awareness of the body’s mechanics, students can discard previous “bad habits” and find more comfortable ways to move, sit and stand. Further, students often find themselves feeling relaxed and peaceful after a session.
Visit the Feldenkrais Guild of North America’s web site to access its online directory of trained practitioners. In addition, the International Feldenkrais Federation has a list of international member organizations. If you would like to learn more about the method, both of these web sites have additional information.
Getting Started
The Feldenkrais method is generally taught in small classes called "Awareness Through Movement" or private one-to-one sessions called "Functional Integration." Participants range in age and ability and may include professional athletes or dancers as well as people suffering from medical conditions that cause loss of function and/or chronic or acute pain in the back, neck, shoulder, arm, hip, leg or knee.
Feldenkrais Awarness Through Movement classes follow a similar structure to yoga or Pilates classes and include a teacher guiding students through a series of targeted – but comfortable – movements. Students are generally sitting, lying and standing throughout the classes, which range from 30 to 60 minutes in length. The lessons become more complex as students become more advanced in the practice and are able to achieve enhanced levels of both awareness and movement.
Benefits
Feldenkrais practitioners credit the method with improving self-image, flexibility, coordination, range of motion and overall physical and mental functioning. By increasing awareness of the body’s mechanics, students can discard previous “bad habits” and find more comfortable ways to move, sit and stand. Further, students often find themselves feeling relaxed and peaceful after a session.
Finding a Feldenkrais Class
Visit the Feldenkrais Guild of North America’s web site to access its online directory of trained practitioners. In addition, the International Feldenkrais Federation has a list of international member organizations. If you would like to learn more about the method, both of these web sites have additional information.