A new way to get fit without working out
Most fitness routines are focused on repetitive movements called exercises. The intention is to strengthen (your core, or back or legs ir arms) or stretch tight spots that might have developed from either too much activity or not enough.
Let me introduce you to sensory movement—a somatic approach that neither targets specific muscles for strength nor focuses on stretching isolated tight spots. And yet it will ‘strengthen’ you and keep you ‘flexible’ in mind and body.
You can measure the efficacy of Feldenkrais sensory movement explorations with how well you run, hike, rappel or ski without getting hurt OR simply shaking off everyday tightness and stiffness. On a more mindful note, you might measure it by how calm and grounded you feel, without needing to sit down and meditate.
Sensory movement provides solidity and flexibility without stretch or strength training
Somatic explorations start with slow movements. These gentle movements are not to be confused as being weak or lacking strength. This method was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais who was a master of Judo in addition to being a neuro physicist. His work on somatic healing is based on a deep understanding of the human body's potential to make explosive, powerful moves (picture Shaolin monk sans the six pack!)
By incorporating these mindful movements, you can improve your ability to move in day to day life like walking, climbing, bending, sitting, standing as well as powerful, athletic movements like smashing your racket, cutting speed in an ultramarathon or climbing a mountain with more left in you.
Slowing down is key to gaining skill
When we move slowly at first, we can better notice how our body feels. We can tell when the movement is “smooth”, “light” and when it gets "sticky" or “heavy” or “jagged”. Everyone has their unique sensations and vocabulary for expresssing these bodily sensations in words. By paying attention to these sensations, we can avoid pushing into those sticky areas and instead stay in the range of smooth, easy movements, even if it means moving just a little.
Slowing down in this intelligent and discerning way does 2 things:
Flips your brain from ‘performance mode’ to ‘learning mode’ allowing you to reprogram how you move
When we focus on pleasant sensations, we activate the part of our brain that helps us learn new things (the prefrontal cortex). It turns the lightbulbs on how different parts of our body are connected. Like how moving your wrist might also involve your arm, chest, and back. Even if these movements are tiny and not visible, you can feel them with practice. As our movements become more connected, the sticky areas start melting into fluidity and lightness, and we can move further and more freely.
Restoring balance between slow and fast twitch muscles helps improve coordination
We have two types of muscle groups: fast-twitch and slow-twitch. Fast-twitch muscles react quickly and in short bursts. These are useful in emergencies, like when you’re driving and you need to hit the break immediately when the car ahead of you slows down suddenly. However, in our busy lives, we often overuse and overactive these muscles, which can lead to stiffness and pain. Slow-twitch muscles, on the other hand, are used for slow and sustained engagement. By practicing to move slowly, we balance these muscle types, leading to smoother, more coordinated movement.
How we move in our body is closely linked to the state of our nervous system
Maintaining a healthy nervous system is crucial for good movement. Everyday activities require us to adapt how we use our muscles based on the task, urgency, and mental-emotional state. A habit of moving with rush and hurry can make us un-coordinated, clumsy and even throw ourselves in pain over time. A calm and grounded state is more conducive to a healthy body and a resilient person.
If you’re interested in waking up your body intelligence for an active, grounded life with somatic movement, join the waitlist for the Sensory Movement Club. You will be the first to know when doors open.