So Many Reasons: Why I Love Feldenkrais (And Why It’s So Helpful)

There are so many reasons I love Feldenkrais.

It’s kind. It’s intelligent. It meets you where you are and gently invites you toward ease, freedom and better function. It doesn’t ask you to push harder or stretch further. Instead it helps you do things more effortlessly, with less strain and more grace. That’s not just good news for your body, it’s a treat for your nervous system too.

But one of the biggest reasons I love Feldenkrais?

It opens up possibilities. It gives me a real, felt sense that I can keep learning, keep improving and keep moving well - at any age. That I can stay curious and experience a new adventure every time. That I can move through life with more comfort, awareness and choice.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present and building the kind of brain-body connection that helps you move smarter, not harder.

I was reminded of all this (and more!) during the recent Feldenkrais Intensive in Wellington. I had the joy of moving, and exploring with an amazing group of people on the floor, in conversation, and deep in the experience of sensing and learning. I’m still buzzing. So much moving, sensing, learning, laughing—and not a single warrior pose in sight.

And once again, I was struck by just how many different reasons people are drawn to Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (or as I fondly call it "Not Yoga"!) and how many different benefits they discover.

Some come to relieve pain. Others want to improve posture, prevent injury, feel calmer, move better, sleep more deeply or simply feel more at home in their bodies.

So yes, there many reasons to love it. But for now, here are my top 10:

1. Calms your nervous system.

Feldenkrais activates your parasympathetic nervous system—the part responsible for rest, digestion and repair. You shift from “fight or flight” into “rest and restore.” This helps reduce pain, tension, and stress. Throw in a bit of breath awareness and your whole system will find a new state of calm.

2. Sharpens your sensory-motor awareness.

Every lesson refines how you sense and move. You become more attuned to subtle differences and better able to make choices in how you move. That improves coordination, balance and fluidity on and off the floor.

3. Rewires your brain.

Thanks to neuroplasticity, your brain is always capable of change. Feldenkrais uses movement and awareness to update your internal map—creating new patterns and gently dissolving old habits that no longer serve you.

4. Improves your everyday movement.

From putting on socks to walking up stairs or reaching up to grab something from the top shelf, Feldenkrais makes daily life easier. By improving how your whole system works together, it helps reduce effort and increase efficiency in all your movements.

5. Creates lasting change—without the struggle

You don’t need to sweat or strain to improve. In fact, trying harder often gets in the way. Feldenkrais "Not Yoga" works through curiosity, ease, and exploration—and that’s what makes the learning stick.

6. Helps you feel more at home in your body

Feldenkrais "Not Yoga" builds a deeper sense of embodiment. You become more aware of where you are in space, how you move and what feels right for you. That kind of comfort and confidence ripples into everything you do.

7. Taps into how we’re wired to learn

The method mirrors how babies learn through movement, attention, variation, and play. It’s not about correcting yourself. It’s about exploring, noticing and discovering new options.

8. Supports injury recovery and prevents future strain

When you improve your movement patterns, you reduce the wear and tear that causes so many aches and pains. Feldenkrais "Not Yoga" offers a safe, effective way to restore function and build resilience. It works as prehab (a.k.a. preventing injury) and if you've over done it, also works wonderfully for rehab!

9. Works brilliantly in person or online

Because the learning in Feldenkrais "Not Yoga" happens through verbal instruction you can do it anywhere. Whether you’re on Zoom, in a local class or listening to a recording at home, the benefits translate beautifully.

10. Blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and movement

Feldenkrais is a movement practice grounded in science. It’s not just exercise for your body, it’s nourishment for your brain, breath and your whole being.

Want to experience it for yourself?

Whether you're new to Feldenkrais or returning to the floor, you're invited! It’s the perfect way to feel better, move better, and discover more ease in your everyday life.

👉 Book a class here.

Hope to see you soon.