What is FELDENKRAIS®?


The Feldenkrais Method® isn't really exercise -- it's a process that uses movement to improve function. The students develop new body awareness that changes their overall posture and the way they move in general. It also improves their physical and psychological performance.

Russian-born Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984) developed his Method after a series of accidents left him barely able to walk. He postulated that if he could understand how his nervous system learned to walk in the first place, he might be able to find something in that information that would help him relearn to walk. Armed with a broad understanding of movement based on his background as a physicist and his longtime study of Judo, he devoted himself to studying how body movement develops in humans which led  to his innovative contribution in showing how, through movement, the body influences the mental process. How limitations, created by habits or beliefs, can be overcome by exploring unhabitual movements. Ultimately, he designed a Method made up of thousands of lessons. His widely read books include: Body and Mature Behavior,  Awareness Through Movement, The Case of Nora  and The Potent Self.


Today, the popularity of Feldenkrais  is on the rise -- athletes, actors  and musicians are using it to correct problems in how they hold themselves... people with arthritis are turning to it to facilitate freer, more flexible movement and to improve their balance ... and just regular folks are converts for the way it teaches them relaxation, focus and overall enhanced movement.


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. 


In Awareness Through Movement® lessons, the teacher verbally guides you through a sequence of gentle movements intended to help you develop a greater awareness of how you move.  These lessons occur in a group setting. - Scheduled classes are listed below.





Functional Integration® lessons are designed to meet your personal needs.  Communicating through touch and movement in addition to words, the teacher guides you in your one-on-one process of self-discovery.  These lessons are by appointment only.

Regardless of which learning style you choose, the Feldenkrais Method can help you overcome limitations brought on by stress, trauma, misuse, accident, or illness.

Awareness Through Movement® classes and Functional Integration® lessons with Cornelia Sachs:

           
         4 weeks - $ 45
         Single Class/Drop-in: $ 15  (if space is available)

         Functional Integration® lessons: $ 60,  by appointment only

Locations: several locations in Albuquerque and in Tijeras on S14 in the East Mountains.
 
For more information, current class schedule and to register, call Cornelia @ (505) 286-2930
Testimonials:

I really liked Cornelia’s voice and the suggestions on how to do a movement differently. I now feel less ache and pain when awakening in the morning, have more stamina.                                                     Florence Hendren, quilter, grandmother

I learned to move  more gracefully and sit much better  at my computer without getting aches and pains. I get up from sitting much easier and walk more gracefully.                                                                                             B.W., retired biochemist

I enjoyed Cornelia’s undivided attention, caring attitude, knowledge and experience in Feldenkrais. I have no more back pain, minimal knee discomfort after sitting for extended periods of time. I can get up and walk, not “hobble”.
Marie Atwell, addiction therapist

I discovered Cornelia and the Feldenkrais Method® after my second surgery for a brain tumor which left me with a weak ankle and I was wearing a brace. In the lessons with Cornelia, I became aware of my body, balance and how I move. Therefore when I tax my body, I am able to realize that I have tools now to make corrections. Through the use of Feldenkrais, I have been able to give up my brace and to maneuver more smoothly.                            
Bernard Franz, sculptor, painter

I don’t know how to explain it, but I can now garden extensively without my back even hurting at all. 
                          Regine DuBay

Cornelia is able and willing to adapt the lessons to fit my concerns and the moods of the moment. I experienced joy and giggles during the lessons. My head position now feels slightly more at ease.           
Sue Newcomb, acupuncture student, LMT
The terms  FELDENKRAIS METHOD®, FUNCTIONAL  INTEGRATION®, AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT®  are registered service marks of The FELDENKRAIS GUILD® of North America.