Frequently Asked Questions
What can the Feldenkrais Method® do for me?
The Feldenkrais Method is for anyone who wants to reconnect with their natural abilities to move, think, and feel. Whether you want to be more comfortable sitting at your computer, playing with your children and grandchildren, or performing a favorite pastime, these gentle lessons can improve you overall well being. Learning to move with less effort makes daily life easier. Because the Feldenkrais Method focuses on the relationship between movement and thought, increased mental awareness and creativity accompany physical improvements. Everyone, from athletes and artists to administrators and attorneys, can benefit from the Feldenkrais Method. After experiencing Feldenkrais® lessons, people often express feelings of relaxation and ease. They may breathe more freely and find their thoughts have more clarity. The learning process is full of pleasant surprises and personal breakthroughs. Feldenkrais lessons teach you the means to take charge of your own improvement and are offered in two ways, enabling you to discover which learning style is most appropriate for your needs.
What do Feldenkrais® lessons entail?
There are two types of lessons. Private Feldenkrais lessons, called Functional Integration® lessons, are tailored to each student's individual learning needs. The teacher guides your movements through physical touch and verbal cues. The student is fully clothed, lying on a table, or in a sitting or standing position. At times, various props (pillows, rollers, blankets) are used in an effort to support the student, or to facilitate certain movements. The learning process is carried out without the use of any invasive or forceful procedure.
Secondly, In group Awareness Through Movement® lessons, the Feldenkrais® teacher verbally leads you through a sequence of movements in basic positions: sitting or lying on the floor, standing or sitting in a chair. These precisely structured movement explorations involve thinking, sensing, moving, feeling, and imagining. By increasing awareness, you will learn to abandon habitual patterns of movement and develop new alternatives, resulting in improved flexibility and coordination. Many lessons are based on developmental movements and ordinary functional activities (reaching, standing, lying to sitting, looking behind yourself, etc.). Some are based on more abstract explorations of joint, muscle, and postural relationships. There are hundreds of ATM lessons, varying in difficulty and complexity, for all levels of movement ability. A lesson generally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.
Secondly, In group Awareness Through Movement® lessons, the Feldenkrais® teacher verbally leads you through a sequence of movements in basic positions: sitting or lying on the floor, standing or sitting in a chair. These precisely structured movement explorations involve thinking, sensing, moving, feeling, and imagining. By increasing awareness, you will learn to abandon habitual patterns of movement and develop new alternatives, resulting in improved flexibility and coordination. Many lessons are based on developmental movements and ordinary functional activities (reaching, standing, lying to sitting, looking behind yourself, etc.). Some are based on more abstract explorations of joint, muscle, and postural relationships. There are hundreds of ATM lessons, varying in difficulty and complexity, for all levels of movement ability. A lesson generally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.
What do I wear or bring to a lesson?
Any soft, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is fine. Avoid pronounced seams or zippers. Short skirts, jeans, and cargo pants are not preferred. For private lessons, please bring socks if you aren't already wearing them. You don't need to bring any special gear to do a Feldenkrais® lesson.
A few points of etiquette - please avoid wearing perfumes, essential oils or any other fragrances the day of your lesson, as others may be sensitive.
A few points of etiquette - please avoid wearing perfumes, essential oils or any other fragrances the day of your lesson, as others may be sensitive.
Who benefits from Feldenkrais® lessons?
Everyone can benefit from the Method. The Feldenkrais Method helps those experiencing chronic or acute pain of the back, neck, shoulders, hips, legs, or knees, as well as healthy individuals who wish to enhance their movement abilities. The Method has been very helpful in dealing with central nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke. Musicians, actors, and artists can extend their abilities and enhance their creativity. Seniors enjoy using it to retain or regain their ability to move without strain or discomfort
Where do Feldenkrais® lessons take place?
In a quiet space in your home or office, usually a 10 by 7 foot space is preferred but not necessary.
When will I notice results?
Students typically notice a difference in body sensations within the first lesson. Results are dependent upon various factors including the individual's ability and willingness to pay attention to themselves and notice what changes are occurring.
How long are lessons?
Lessons are typically an hour to an hour and a half, but please allot for up to two hours.
How should I plan for my lesson?
Please don't schedule any demanding activity or interactions directly after the lesson. Also, please refrain from scheduling other bodywork modalities and/or strenuous movement activities such as exercise classes.
Why should I take Feldenkrais® lessons?
You will likely enjoy Feldenkrais® lessons if you:
-want to alleviate pain and improve functional abilities.
-want to improve posture and learn to function more ergonomically.
-want to improve your movement efficiency, learning to move, work and play smarter, not harder.
-want to learn to do new movements that have previously been challenging.
-want to explore your own self-awareness through movement.
-want to alleviate pain and improve functional abilities.
-want to improve posture and learn to function more ergonomically.
-want to improve your movement efficiency, learning to move, work and play smarter, not harder.
-want to learn to do new movements that have previously been challenging.
-want to explore your own self-awareness through movement.
