For the last 2 years I have been participating in a program of study created by Katy Bowman, biomechanist and author of such books as Movement Matters and Move Your DNA. The purpose of this program was to more deeply understand her views on alignment, biomechanics, physiology, and kinesiology, and to eventually be certified to teach Restorative Exercise™ – a movement practice that embodies her unique work.
Well, it’s been a life-changing journey and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you!
It sounds dramatic to say that it’s been life changing, but I’m being completely sincere. I’ve spent most of my life as a movement oriented person in some form or another, and this work makes me feel like I just rolled off the couch for the first time. It showed me all the misconceptions and blind spots I had about my own body, and then it showed me why. Then it showed me what to do about it. It humbled me, then it inspired me, and it has motivated me to own the work for myself and share it with everyone!
The exercises themselves are accessible and simple, which I am grateful for. So often we begin with the best intentions of moving for our health, but are quickly discouraged by workouts that are painful and overwhelming. I wouldn’t call Restorative Exercise easy – not by a long shot – but they are straightforward and scalable. The movements show us where we are now, where we could be, and give us an achievable way of getting from A to B.
And the exercises are the framework for the bigger picture of our movement and health, which is to say that we live in a sedentary culture, in man made environments, with social expectations and norms that may not be conducive to our health. The trouble is, all of this is so normal that we can’t see it. It’s like explaining water to a fish – if you’ve never experienced anything different then you don’t really understand. As we learn about what our body can do, we also learn about why it isn’t already. The more we change our habits and the environmental influences preventing our health, the more effective our exercise becomes.
Kensho means to know your self, and this work has enabled me to know my self better and more fully than ever before. And it has deepened my understanding and appreciation for Pilates, which is a tremendous gift.
So this is the beginning! I am so excited to share what I’ve learned and I can’t wait to walk the path with you. I hope you can take the opportunity for the new classes, workshops and lessons that will be available beginning in September. I’m looking forward to expanding and enriching our community at Kensho!