We talk a lot in Feldenkrais about easy, light, effortless movement and more often than not, we find that quality in the midst of a lesson. We also talk about moving slowly to build awareness and to replace habits with new movement patterns. Bringing this quality of movement to all activities, performed at regular speed is one goal of the explorations we do in Feldenkrais lessons.

Usain Bolt, Olympic gold medalist in the men's 100m and 200m dash shows what easy, effortless movement with no unintended parasitic effort looks like going full speed. Some efforts that don't do anything to move Bolt forward occur at the end of the race as he celebrates his commanding lead, but these are intentional.

Compare Bolt's smooth, effortless movement with the other runners in this video:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=0816_M100MReview_JA273 (skip to 1:25 for Usain)

Tags: sports, effort, easy movement

I've been watching the Olympics this past week -- the first time the TV has been on in weeks. I've also been following the Olympics online where I came across a NYT video / article about exercise in a Beijing park. I think a Feldenkrais class would fit in this Beijing park. The Chinese seem ready for Feldenkrais - when will the US be ready for Feldenkrais? Are there any Feldenkrais practitioners in China?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/sports/olympics/21park.html?hp

Tags: alternative exercise