Hello !! I've just returned from teaching several classes related to balance, fall prevention, posture and walking in Davis, CA. Though the heat seem

 
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Hello !!

I've just returned from teaching several classes related to balance, fall prevention, posture and walking in Davis, CA. Though the heat seems to be following me, I'm happy to be home and looking forward to classes this week. The Walking with Poles class is coming up--depends on the weather though!

Many of the Davis students have been attentively lying on the floor for decades in some cases. It got me thinking about the wide appeal and benefits of our work. Beyond just the physical improvements, as I discuss below.

Best wishes,

Marg

Are Feldenkrais® Lessons Cognitively Enhancing?

Onback hold legs ATM

Staying mentally engaged as we age is as important as physical movement and, as we know, is related with exercise helping brain health. A few months ago, I attended a lecture given by Dr. Rob Winningham, Dept Chair of Psychology at Western Oregon University and head of the Gerontology program there. Dr. Winningham has studied the kinds of activities that keep our minds sharp.

Basically, he says, we need to practice skills that address the limitations that seem to come with age: ability to pay attention, concentrate and form new memories. These are the brain enhancing activities that will carry over into daily life. Activities that require us to use working memory, not just what’s stored in longer-term memory (like crossword puzzles do), fit that category. Working memory is involved when we need to complete multiple steps in processing information and refer back to information we’ve developed or used before and stored in short-term memory (as in Sudoku).

It seems to me that Awareness Through Movement® classes fit the bill. Students pay attention and apply verbal instructions about movements, often patterns that are unfamiliar or unusual, and that may involve many parts of the body. At the same time, we notice sensation, effort and sense of ease. We also compare later movements with the initial “test” or beginning movement. Students in my classes know that I encourage them to recall and play with aspects of that week’s lesson. I often suggest ways the lesson applies to daily life to further confirm the learning. So maybe, in addition to the physical benefits, Feldenkrais® lessons may also be cognitively enhancing. Perhaps this is another aspect of neuroplasticity, the newer understanding of how the brain works to improve function in a variety of areas.

But back to Dr. Winningham: his website includes some interesting posts with links to apps for cognitive enhancement and his post about crosswords and Sudoku provides links to thousands of Sudoku puzzles. He and his students have developed smaller Sudoku puzzles for those new to this game. Check out Dr. Winningham's website.

Classes Resume This Week!

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Do aches and pains keep you from enjoying activities?
Are you sitting a lot?
Concerned about your posture?

Free Your Spine, Hips and Shoulders

▪ Improve flexibility in your back and shoulders
▪Increase coordination throughout your torso
▪ "Move Younger" with less pain, stiffness and effort
▪ Improve posture, balance and ease

Awareness Through Movement®
Yoga Center of Corvallis -- 111 NW Second Street (at Monroe)
Tuesdays Noon-12:45 pm -- June 30 - Aug 25

Smaller class allows individual attention. Drop-in spots available. Contact Marg for information.

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 The Feldenkrais Institute - Version 3

Moving Younger: Developing a Healthy Back

Bending, turning, walking, lifting, reaching – summer activities demand flexibility and coordination.
Improve comfortable movement of your spine and
ribs to increase ease and pleasure in all activities!

Awareness Through Movement®
Chintimini Senior Center - 2601 NW Tyler Ave
Tuesdays June 30 - July 28 10:30 - 11:30 am -- Drop-in spots also available!

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Elders sitting

Mindful Movement with Parkinson's

Ongoing Class

A specialty class for People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers focused on movement issues important to health and safety. Participants will learn specific movement strategies to make daily activities easier and more enjoyable.

New students--first class session free! Read More
Fitness Over Fifty -- 6735 SW Country Club Drive Corvallis
Wednesdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm

WEATHER PERMITTING --

Walking with Poles for Mobility and Exercise

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Enhance uprightness, flexibility & power

Build confidence walking on various terrains

Relieve pressure on joints to increase pleasure and stamina

Designed for people experiencing balance or walking challenges, perhaps after illness or injury, as well as those who want to experience the benefits of walking with poles.

Dates: Mon July 6 2:30 - 4 pm and Thurs July 9 1:15 - 2:30 pm and Mon July 13 2:30 - 4 pm

Location: Fitness Over Fifty 6735 SW Country Club Drive Corvallis 97330 541-929-5555

Class size: 8 maximum. Please bring poles if you have them; poles available for those without.

$40 if registered by July 2 $45 after July 2 if space available.

Participant comments:
* This class far exceeded my expectations!
* I'm standing taller and feel more confident walking.

Click here to register.

What's the right class for you? Please contact me--details below

For More Information

Contact me: margbartosek@gmail.com or 541-286-4678

or check out: My Website

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