GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) - It doesn't look very challenging, lying on the floor with one arm in the air. But a Feldenkrais movement class is remarkably intense.
Developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1940's, it's currently part of Spectrum Health's Communities program.
"Our mind moves our body. Our mind is responsible for how we posture our body. We can't work our body without working our mind," says Natalie Howard. She is a certified Feldenkrais instructor and physical therapist with Spectrum Health. Howard explains the theory behind Feldenkrais as micro movements that yield big results, "I have people who can now get down on the floor and play with their grandchildren, people who can return to sports and running."
It's about getting in tune with your mind and body to make movement easier - effortless - and in turn allowing you to improve any physical goal. "It really can apply to everything. I have clients that I see in my physical therapy practice, but I also have people who want to dance better, or perform better, or run faster."
Many of her students are also her patients, like Joel Jason. "I have had a pinched nerve in my neck between the 6th & 7th vertebrae after 32 years of leaning into a computer, leaning into a phone," says Jason.
After a year of taking Feldenkrais he says he is amazed at how pain free and flexible his body is. "Although I have a narrowing in my vertebrae that may require some surgery someday, I'm keeping it at bay. I'm 90% better," says Jason.
Howard says, "The biggest struggle people have with this technique is not working so hard. And allowing things to be less effort."
And I found this to be absolutely true.
During the hour long class I needed to work at concentrating in order to make the tiniest movements. But at the end I was amazed how relaxed and focused I was and even a little fatigued.
I can see why students like Joel Jason want to make Feldenkrais a regular part of their life, "It's gonna help me keep feeling better into the future."
The Feldenkrais classes are held at Spectrum Health's Healthier Communities on Seward Avenue in Grand Rapids.
The cost of the class is $5.
For more information on the classes call (616) 267-2626 and press option 4 to sign up.
By Valerie Lego