Working in Movement

In Body Awareness and Fitness, I cited an article by a physical fitness trainer who had experienced Feldenkrais for the first time. He concluded that body awareness can be a good addition to a fitness routine. Plenty of clients would agree with that recommendation; body awareness can make for a more efficient, safer and enjoyable exercise session. (The lighter weights and movements necessary for serious body awareness probably wouldn't benefit competitive weight lifters and body builders, though.)

But fitness isn't the only application of body awareness or movement education disciplines. Many clients and fellow practitioners report positive mood changes after a lesson or series of lessons. The evidence is anecdotal, but you hear good stories from a pretty wide range of people. It would be hard to measure such things, but I wondered if anyone had tried.

There are at least two studies investigating the effects of Feldenkrais on mood.

Mood alterations in mindful versus aerobic exercise modes compared the stated effects on mood of "mindful exercises" (Feldenkrais and yoga) vs. aerobic exercise. A control group sat in a computer class instead of exercising. Both the mindful and aerobic exercise enhanced mood after a single session. But, the statistical analysis of the 147 participants found repeated mood improvements with Feldenkrais, swimming and yoga, but not aerobic exercise or the computer class.

Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement and state anxiety investigated the effects of single and repeated Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons on state anxiety. The study of about 55 people showed reduced state anxiety test scores in both single and multiple exposures.

The results of these two studies are not surprising to me as a practitioner. On the other hand, though statistically-based, the studies relied on self-reporting to get the numbers of their analysis. Faulty sensory appreciation is one of the biggest obstacles to improving movement and awareness. If you suspect that self-reporting of experience might also have such issues, you can see one of the problems of "objectively" investigating things like Feldenkrais. But it does sometimes feel good to have (or give) a lesson.