Fitness From The Field: Do Less And Feel More With Kinesoma
The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.
Kinesoma, The Moving Body, is a wellness company in Lakeville, CT dedicated to the pursuit of learning through movement. It draws from dance, yoga, Pilates and Feldenkrais. I recognized that last name; it’s the class I took in preparation for a play and just couldn’t get into. Now I see that it’s a lot more than what I initially perceived. By definition, it’s a method developed by scientist and martial artist Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais that integrates neuroscience, movement and behavioral psychology to bring a new awareness and reshaping of our movement habits.
Now, after two hip replacements (I was born with hip dysplasia) and both thumb joints repaired (due to early on-set arthritis), I realize that there wasn’t anything wrong with the class I took: it was my inability to appreciate the good that comes from moving slowly. After taking Kinesoma founder Sandrine Harris’s class, I definitely appreciate that less is more.
What is it?
The class I took focused on balance, and is part of a workshop series made possible through a What Moves You grant received from actress Kate Hudson's company, FABLETICS. Each class focuses on a different aspect of whole body wellness, ranging from “Happy Hips and Knees" to “Movement for Stress Relief." The workshops continue from through December 27 with monthly and bi-monthly classes.
Sandrine (in black, photo at left) has combined her ballet and contemporary dance background with her experience as a student of meditation and created a movement approach that is as much about the mind as it is about the body. Starting with slow and gentle exercises and moving into fun, improvised movements, students learn what works and — just as important — what doesn’t work physically; how we overuse muscles and don’t call on our bones enough and what is true efficient use of our bodies. We even learned a new definition of “posture." Rather than the stiff, useless statue-like stance we may have been taught as a child, Sandrine shares that the Dr. Fendenkrais thought of good posture as any movement that can be maintained with ease whether moving forward or back.
Although Sandrine doesn’t categorize her class as a fitness class, it is definitely a wellness class, but one that’s “outside the box," as she says. Her motto, “Do less and feel more" challenges us to leave behind our achievement-oriented behavior. We’re even encouraged to rest as often as we like. “I’m a big fan of rest," Sandrine proclaims — another notion that a lot of us may have to redefine. In the west, resting can connote being lazy or doing nothing. However, Sandrine explains, this is when you can truly integrate the exercises into your whole being and discover new, healthier habits and ideas.
Benefits
With an awareness that goes beyond the intellect you can retrain yourself to move in ways that don’t stress or damage your body — or your whole being, for that matter. Whether you need to shift weight to pick up groceries or make your way down a ski slope, the Kinesoma method is “about everything" in your day-to-day.
Activity level
I’d have to label this a “beginner" class in that there is no prerequisite, but I would also have to say it is for everyone. (There were actually men in this class.) It is an excellent complement to any regular exercise, yoga or sports practice. It would also be highly beneficial to those of us closing in on the “senior" years since it helps maintain balance, control and ease of movement.
Instructor
Sandrine, is a certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, and certified Health Counselor. In addition to public Kinesoma Classes, she teaches privately to students ranging from members of the PILOBOLUS dance company to pro-racers at Lime Rock Race Track. Sandrine also maintains a private (hands-on) Feldenkrais practice. Sandine is not only an excellent teacher but a wonderful role model as she glides, rolls and plays across the floor. Smiling and laughing, giving gentle, encouraging hands-on assistance to anyone interested, she helps any apprehension dissolve from your mind and body.
Facility and ambience
“Space" is one of the sweetest places I’ve ever practiced at. It’s comprised of a few small, well-kept buildings surrounded by a picket fence. The yoga building, a renovated carriage barn, is large and impeccably clean. Mats, blankets, yoga props are provided.
Cost and schedule
$20 per class (cash/check only).Check the website for various classes and schedules. No registration is required, however, space is limited so early arrival is recommended and latecomers will not be admitted. Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll be working in bare feet.
Kinesoma: The Moving Body
The Yoga Studio at “Space"
228 Sharon Road, Lakeville, CT
sandrine@kinesoma.com
(646) 479-1453
Restaurant URL: RI's fitness writer Paula Boyajian checks out a Kinesoma class, developed by Sandrine Harris, in Litchfield, CT.
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