But what if, besides being fit, you could successfully direct each and every ounce of effort you expend directly into propelling yourself forward? How much farther, faster or more easily do you think you could go, for a given level of fitness, if you were truly able to optimize your movement? What if you could make the most of your body's power center and harmoniously use your limbs to counterbalance the effective movement of your torso, shoulders and hips?

Most of us do not get maximum performance for maximum effort. Not for lack of trying or inadequate training, but because we don't really know how to use ourselves in such a way as to take full biomechanical advantage of our own structure and the way our body is designed to function. We perform most of our daily movement routinely, without even realizing how we are using our bodies.

The Feldenkrais Method improves how you move by teaching you to become aware of how your whole body works. Through a process of learning to notice what you are actually doing, your system will create more effective, efficient and pleasurable ways of moving. You will accomplish this as your body lets go of unproductive muscular tension and becomes better supported by your skeletal structure. You then become free to apply all of your muscular effort directly to action. This results in lighter, faster, smoother, easier, and more dynamic movement in any activity. A welcomed additional benefit is the reduction of pain and stiffness and improved flexibility.

While this may seem like a daunting endeavor, the process is easily followed, enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding. In a Feldenkrais "Awareness Through Movement" lesson, your teacher will verbally guide you to explore your movements in unique, but specific ways. By trying gentle movements and bringing your attention to your own sensations and the relationships between different parts of your body, you will tap into the fantastic learning capacity of your own sensory-motor system, making learning a breeze.

A Feldenkrais Practitioner can also facilitate this powerful neuromuscular learning by using an individualized hands-on technique called Functional Integration. Both methods use gentle direction with an emphasis on comfort to increase your ability to learn, change and improve. Participants wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.

As you prepare to make your summer a memorable one, consider the possibilities of your yet untapped potential. Dr. Feldenkrais' goal was to "make the impossible, possible; the possible, easy; and the easy, elegant." Whatever your level of activity, fitness or capability, make the most of it and put power in your stride!

Shari Lee, M.S., is a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, Physical Educator, Coach & Rehabilitation Counselor. Her next lesson series "Power In Your Stride" begins May 23rd. Contact Shari at 274-3539, feldenlee@aol.com