Hi !! Fall is fast approaching! It's one of my favorite times of the year. Maybe because of many years of school schedules, it has a feeling of new b

young1
stock-footage-womanLhandmouse

Hi !!

Fall is fast approaching! It's one of my favorite times of the year. Maybe because of many years of school schedules, it has a feeling of new beginnings, a chance to do something different. I've been thinking a lot about "different" -- it is, after all, the main experience when one moves or initiates some other major life change. Of course, we also make changes without such a big shift and if these are strongly held personal habits, it’s not so easy.

Rather than directly confronting an established movement habit, periodically practice doing something in a different way this month: interlace your fingers in the non-habitual way, empty the dishwasher or perform some other task with your non-dominant hand, use your computer mouse with the other hand for a short period of time, change your route to a frequent destination. You may be surprised where this mindful exploration takes you!

In any event, have fun and I hope you discover something new or different about yourself!

Marg

Mindful Exercise Program Helps with Dementia

SrsinChairNL

As a long-time teacher of Awareness through Movement® classes, I've been convinced that our classes offer benefits beyond that of improved movement. Our work, the Feldenkrais Method®, was included in development of an exercise program called PLIÉ (Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise). This program combines functional movement (related to the kinds of things we do in daily life) and mindful body awareness.

In a small recent study with dementia patients, the 18-week PLIÉ program improved cognitive, as well as physical ability. The quality of life of these mild- to moderately-impaired elders improved and their caregiver burden decreased. According to Principal Investigator, Deborah E. Barnes, PhD, MPH, the results in this small pilot study provided effects "substantially larger than what is typically seen with currently available dementia medications."

Though a very small study, it supports the importance of mindful movement and the social support provided by a class to moving --and aging--well. Read more

A Different Way to Improve Turning: Twisted Arms

This short movement exploration uses non-habitual movements of turning around the long bones of the arms to invite movement into the upper and middle back, freeing the neck to move. It is drawn from Bones for Life®.

While sitting forward on your chair so your back is free, slowly turn your head to one side several times, noting the quality. Repeat to other side. Determine the side you wish to improve.

-- Extend your arms straight at shoulder height in front of yourself with the wrist of the arm on the side you want to improve resting on top of the other wrist. Backs of the hands lightly touch.
-- Rotate hands so palms touch, keeping fingers loosely interlaced and straight. Twist arms around their long axes in the direction of the arm that is below. (If R on top, twist counterclockwise; if L on top, twist clockwise.) Repeat a few times.
-- Raise the shoulder of the top arm and attach it to your face, using a towel if needed to comfortably attach cheek to shoulder. Draw a circle in the air in front of you with the twisted arms and attached head, clockwise a few times, and then counterclockwise. Start small and then enlarge as comfortable.
-- Let the arms rest. Again, turn your head to the side you wanted to improve and notice the result.

Fall Schedule -- Classes start Oct 1

Moving Younger: Flexible Hips and Lower Back -- Corvallis Senior Center

Improve the flexibility and coordination of your spine and pelvis using ingenious guided movement explorations. Learn to stand and walk with less pain, stiffness and effort, and enjoy improved upright posture, balance and ease.

Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 am Oct 1 - 29
Cost: $30 Resident $40 Non-resident $8 drop-in
Chintimini Senior Center 2601 NW Tyler Ave. Corvallis
Phone: 541-766-6959

Awareness Through Movement® -- Yoga Center of Corvallis

Attentive exploration of various movement combinations within a comfortable range provides:
• improved performance
• increased ease and comfort
• greater pleasure at work or at play
Lessons will relate to the spine, especially neck and lower back, and to the ribs and pelvis.

Tuesdays 12 noon - 12:45 pm plus time for questions/individual assistance
Oct 1 - Dec 10, 2013 No class Nov. 5
Cost: $80/ series $10 drop-in
Yoga Center of Corvallis
111 NW Second Street (at Monroe) Phone: 541-757-3704

For More Information

Contact Marg at mbartosek@att.net or 541-286-4678.

facebook
1px