It's amazing how unaware most of us are of our bodies and how we move. Each day, we spend many hours sitting, standing, walking, exercising or otherwise using our bodies without giving it a second thought. Why is it important to be aware of how we move? Because our physical motions affect everything about us: how we feel, whether or not we have pain, and how well we function physically and mentally. Movement is a perfect example of the mind-body connection and how each influences the other in mutually helpful or harmful ways.

If we simply go about our daily activities automatically, with no conscious awareness of what we are doing and how we are doing it, old habits and patterns, many from early childhood, will assert themselves. These movement habits are typically learned by imitating our parents and other important figures, and are heavily influenced by social norms. But they are not always healthy, and rarely the most efficient way to accomplish a task such as reaching, twisting or carrying something. Learning more efficient ways to move is actually quite easy, but it requires that you first become aware of your body and how you are using it.

Thus, gaining awareness of your movement patterns, and then learning to change those that are less optimal, can lead to a more productive, energetic and pain-free life. The Movement Awareness Assessment is based primarily on the Feldenkrais Method, a form of movement education that makes us aware of our movements, and then teaches us how to use our bodies more smoothly and efficiently. By taking this brief assessment, you may discover things about yourself that you never knew!

The Movement Awareness Assessment can also serve as a personalized introduction to the Feldenkrais Method and how it can benefit you. Originally developed more than 40 years ago, the method has helped thousands of people learn to reduce or eliminate pain, accomplish tasks with ease that used to be difficult or impossible, and generally live with greater awareness of themselves as physical beings.