The FP Weekly Class presents
Feldenkrais for Walking
an Awareness Through Movement (ATM) lesson and discussion with Nick Strauss-Klein
Discover how the Feldenkrais Method can improve your walking skills!
In this mostly lying down Feldenkrais lesson, you’ll nourish the neurological “roots” of walking by learning how to better integrate your axis with your arms and legs, so you can walk through life with more confidence and pleasure.
Nick also shares practical tips for taking your learning “off the mat” and into your walks, and answers participant questions after the lesson.
NOTE: The Feldenkrais lesson in this event has been edited down into a permanent free audio version. It’s called Free Your Torso for Better Posture, Walking, and Running, and it’s now the best way to study the lesson in the video replay below.
But, if you’re here to see what The FP Weekly Class is like, including class discussion, enjoy the video replay below! It’s a great lesson either way.
While this FP Weekly Class open house replay is free, our normal model for class is pay-what-you-can. Tuition includes a Zoom link and a replay like the one below (to stream or download, in video or audio form) plus follow-up study info like what you’ll find below.
To find The FP Weekly Zoom Class on our website, go to our homepage (click our logo at the top of this page) and scroll down, or click our Lessons & Learning menu.
Our class replay emails always have lots of info and follow-up study ideas. Please skim the blue headings below
The replay
By accessing this replay you are releasing Nick Strauss-Klein, The Feldenkrais Project, and Twin Cities Feldenkrais, LLC from responsibility for any injuries or discomfort that might arise while or after viewing/listening to this replay.
You’ll need:
- At least an hour (the lesson is one hour, followed by a 5-minute break then discussion)
- A quiet space
- A mat or blanket soft enough to lie on
- A bath towel
New to Feldenkrais? Welcome! You can start with this lesson, but here’s some required reading before studying at home, including your responsibilities as a student.
Reminders: How to learn and improve with Feldenkrais
- Follow any healthcare restrictions you have been given.
- Go very slowly, moving within your own easy, comfortable range.
- Don’t do configurations or movements that are uncomfortable. Adapt or imagine them instead.
- Try to let go of doing the movements the “right” way.
- Do NOT push, stretch, strain, worry about symmetry, or “compete” (even with yourself). You will get more benefits by doing less.
- Tune into the simple pleasures: breathe, be curious, and enjoy the changes you feel.
- Rest between each movement, longer than you think you should.
- These pleasantries aren’t just because I’m nice. They make neuroplasticity – changing habits! – more efficient.
… or download this class via Zoom video or Zoom audio
(All FP Weekly Classes are available for download after purchase.)
Discussion begins at 1:04:15. There is a short walking exploration during the discussion, at 1:08:10. Highly recommended for everyone. It clarifies WHY we attend to our sternums so much during a lesson “about” walking!
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Lesson source
It’s a homebrew that I developed from a combination of very simple side-lying Feldenkrais lessons: one focused on the shoulders and hips, the other on simple folding and extending.
I’ve begun most of the walking workshops and courses I’ve taught over the years with versions of this lesson because I find it very effective to get folks into a new mind/body space about walking. Listen to the discussion to hear more about why!
“Homework” options
You could do this lesson again in a few days, or check out these related Feldenkrais Project audio lessons to expand your learning. Many are free. They’re one hour unless a time is shown.
To choose, click on titles to read lesson descriptions, then follow your curiosity!
Connecting Hips and Shoulders Part 1 and Stretch Without Strain (39 minutes) are closely-related to our shoulders and hips explorations.
From our shoulders, ribs, and sternum Deep Dive:
- #7, #8, and #9 all connect folding and arching with turning the shoulders and hips
- #11 will help you feel the answer the question one student asked in discussion: how can we lift the sternum without a sharp arching of the lumbar?
For a chair-seated exploration of improving the relationship between shoulders and hips, and connecting them with folding and arching, try Sitting and Turning with Length (26 minutes).
Attending