How much is enough?

Go, go, go… We want to be the best we can be and so we push till we drop. At least some of us do and from time to time I’ve been known to join the pack. And then what, pick yourself up (if you can) dust yourself off and do more of the same? Until you go to the doctor with an injury…

I listen to this well-known podcast of a great interviewer with interesting and very accomplished guests. One guest was very proud of how he ignored what his body was telling him and just pushed through some athletic performance.

Eek! I said. Why would you want to do that? After 30 years of Feldenkrais, I sometimes forget that in mainstream athletics there’s a lot out there on push, grunt, “go till you burn”.

It is so antithetical to the Feldenkrais approach: Pay attention and do what’s comfortable, refine your awareness, and continue. And Feldenkrais has helped numerous athletes, Olympic and otherwise.

How much is enough? And how do you find that balance and still be athletic or at least go for a pleasant walk. How does your body feel when you push and don’t stop? Tired, stressed, uncomfortable…

There’s a way to be physically accomplished and not collapse at the end and feel good doing it.

You can start by slowing down and paying attention to how your body feels as you move.
When you’re at the gym, for example, get your eyes off that TV and feel your body.

Once you become more aware of how you feel then you can go faster still keeping your attention on how your body feels. With this type of focus of attention, your movements become smoother and more relaxed. You’ll have less wear and tear on your joints.

The way I’m able to remind myself of how much is enough is by doing an Awareness Through Movement® lesson. It’s the chance to slow down and pay focused attention to how my body is moving and feeling.

It’s helped many of my students move smoother, stand taller, and have more balance. And be able to go faster with ease.

Summer’s here, outside activities abound like swimming, hiking… Why not feel more comfortable this summer and find the joy of moving?

If you’re interested in exploring a way to feel good in your body and improve your performance, I have summer classes just opening up.