IMPROVE BALANCE FASTER with Feldenkrais Method 1/4

IMPROVE BALANCE FASTER with Feldenkrais Method. Struggling to improve your balance safely and effectively? No worries! By the end of this short Feldenkrais balance exercise you will improve your balance!
This Feldenkrais balance exercise is very safe and effective. To get the best results from this exercise, it's very important to shut off all distractions so you can pay full attention to your body and movement, and watch the entire video and do the exercise following my guidance. A key is you move slowly and pay attention to quality of movement.
A common misunderstanding about balance is that you need to tighten muscles to keep your body from moving. You actually compromise your balance when you make your body more rigid. You improve your balance by making your body more responsive and agile. You want to train your body to move like a bamboo tree that responds to the wind so you can regain your balance quickly.
This is a part 1 of 4 video series. To get full benefits please watch the whole series sequentially.
Timestamps:
1:10 Balance Test Before Exercise
2:28 Let's Begin Balance Exercise
12:24 Balance Test After Exercise
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- Awareness Through Movement: amzn.to/3jrRZ70
*Disclosure: Above are my amazon affiliate link(s). When you purchase using the links above, I will receive a small commission from Amazon.
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I am Taro Iwamoto, a Feldenkrais practitioner. I help people overcome and move beyond pain and limitations.
Anyone regardless of their age or physical conditions CAN improve! You just have to learn how to re-train your movement, and that is what I share on my channel. I teach Feldenkrais based movement and how to apply it to daily activities
Movement is vital to your health. Improving your movement therefore means improving your health and life. 3 key things are: 1) Daily movement practice to improve movement quality (MOVE WELL) 2) Incorporate good movement into daily activities (MOVE WELL AND MORE) 3) Awareness and mindfulness of your movement and lifestyle (MINDFUL MOVEMENT)
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• IMPROVE BALANCE FASTER...
#FeldenkraisMethod #ImproveBalance #TaroIwamoto

[@kellymarie6031]

This channel is the only one I've ever visited that actually provides immediate results!!! That's unheard of..... TILL NOW!!

[@theresathicthe3475]

My body is continuously wracked with pain.I get some relief from these exercises and I am so 🙏 🥲 grateful.Thank you for generously sharing them on U tube

[@TaroIwamoto]

Did your balance improve after this movement practice? Did that surprise you? Please share your comment!

[@milou66]

Thank you, Taro. These videos have been teaching me things that years of yoga instructors couldn't. They mostly just say "do this". But if you can't "do this" they don't have an answer for you. Or they want you to do a thing you can't yet without any advice on how to get there. These four balancing videos have helped me more than all the yoga I've done before. The idea of not clenching your abs and your butthole is the opposite of what they teach in yoga for balance, and this makes so much more sense. Heart.

[@TaroIwamoto]

You are welcome:) This idea of letting go of abs in order to gain balance appears so opposite of traditional movement teaching, but not unusual in many martial arts.

[@milou66]

@@TaroIwamoto You are smart.

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@milou66 No, I am just a movement nerd and curious learner:)

[@milou66]

@@TaroIwamoto That's the definition of smart.

[@user-hz3im6rc4n]

Brilliant! I appreviate the clear explanation and demonstration. Now, I realize that I need to relax my core muscles in order for the pelvis, the rib cage, the spine, the shoulder, and the head to follow the flow of the movement freely. Thank you!

[@natalagoodman2205]

All my life I’ve walked to the RIGHT side. This helps a lot-even though I thought there’s no hope!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Its good to have more choices, isnt it?

[@MM-uv6kb]

Yes, a noticeable improvement in balance and more relaxed shoulder girdle too! Now onto part 2. Thank you!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Great!

[@natalagoodman2205]

I walked to my right side too. Now I’m trying to get over it-this helps a LOT!

[@TaroIwamoto]

doing this slowly reveals many habitual movement patterns that are related to balance, walking, doesn't it?

[@natalagoodman2205]

I lost my balance in an auto accident Jan 4 2002. Every time I “meet” Taro I appreciate him more & more!

[@mlg989602]

The gentleness of your teaching & the simplicity of directed awareness make such a difference. Thank you so much for sharing your knonwledge with us. Excellent!!

[@firerose7936]

That was an insane amount of improvement! I also did your reaching balance exercises just before this. Next time I will do them after!

[@sylvia1124]

Yes, Taro, this really does help improve balance with noticeable results after one session. Maybe doing them every day will improve balance even more. Thank you for posting!

[@lesleymiles4946]

Wow! I have bad balance issues since my big toe on my left side stopped working after a hip replacement. Then last year I fell and fractured ribs, and have had nerve effects on toes on the right side. I did this exercise and I could actually balance for a little on the left side, and also improved on the right. I'm thrilled! Best present I've had in years! Thank you Taro. I'm going to do this once a day.

[@TaroIwamoto]

so nice to hear that. yes practice daily and new awareness and movement patterns become integrated.

[@ushaforest2932]

Thank you that was very helpful!

[@melinabarry9527]

Yes, improved! Amazing!

[@RoseCriTaylor]

You have great tutorials, Taro! I've been paying attention to your recommendations and practicing the exercises, and I do see some changes happening! Thank you for sharing so well such important concepts and clear demonstrations.

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thank you for leaving the comment! A really cool thing about mindful movement practice like this is that you will notice bigger improvements as quality of your attention improves. And improvements will carry over to all aspects of your life!

[@dianneleon2522]

Thank you for this great video! I appreciate you talking about breathing often. It's like you are talk directly to me because l am holding my breath!

[@deenarocco8908]

Yes. I noticed better balance after doing this . I did feel a little discomfort in lower back towards the end of doing the movements while on my back. Thank you.

[@T1duzz]

When I started watching you two years ago I became angry. I guess the slow movement made me become aware not only of locked muscles / body parts but also of my emotions. Over the past two years I have regained so much mobiliy incoportating your techniques into my workout and yoga routines. I Thank you so much. The biggest thing that changed a lot for me was doing pelvis movements WHENEVER I can, be it pushups, sitting, walking, standing, just doing them here and there has imrpvoed my well being so much. So thank you for that. Doing this Video years later has showed me how less tense I am, even after just waking up.

[@watchmen6504]

I appreciate your gentle, thoughtful and easy to understand approach and manner in these videos. Very informative!

[@TaroIwamoto]

thank you!

[@Bruno10189]

yes, great teaching, this works, thank you!

[@doritkrohnke1273]

Your exercise are great and they really help! Use to have problems with my Balance 💝

[@susantait1987]

Wow! I never would have believed something so simple would have such immediate results in my ability to balance. Thank you!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Better results dont necessarily require more work or more complex exercises. In fact, better results come from more quality movement and attention. Glad you had positive experience from this video.

[@sophiemo7278]

Thank you Taro for this exercise I did notice an improvement the second time around. Can't wait for the other videos...

[@TaroIwamoto]

nice!

[@yaelkaro-panitch5727]

Feldenkrais has it all!

[@nickicapetola5149]

Thank you ! You make all this so simple and easy to understand.

[@TaroIwamoto]

Glad to hear! To make it simple, easy, and practical is my goal.

[@pamelabrown3058]

What a Wonderful way to start the Day 🧘🏽‍♀️ Ty

[@TaroIwamoto]

My pleasure! Happy Mindful Movement!

[@ritayoskowitz8174]

First time doing this balance stretching. I totally feel the difference.

[@TaroIwamoto]

did you notice improved balance? Did that surprise you? This is not a traditional balance exercise as you do this lying on your back, not standing yet can improve your balance.

[@user-ws3st7hu2l]

Good man!

[@abhishektodmal1914]

This was wonderful. Thank you so much ! Do feel an improvement in my balance so far ! 😀❤️ Lots of love !

[@TaroIwamoto]

awesome!!

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@farzanadarsot3516]

I have never heard of this method! Wow! I subbed...🙌💕 Thank You for sharing

[@TaroIwamoto]

My pleasure!

[@gordanapavic88]

Yes, balance was much better! Thank You! 🙏

[@TaroIwamoto]

Yay! This is only part 1, so by the time you finish part 4, you can walk on a tight rope!

[@carriehayes892]

I loved that exercise

[@ceciliamarasigan7107]

Amazing! Thank you for great videos

[@TaroIwamoto]

You're very welcome!

[@QUANTUMMUSIC101]

EPIC! ❤️🌞🥁

[@helenhufford9258]

very good. will continue to do this

[@omekafalconburn9202]

Great lesson definitely had an improvement

[@laurinorton6471]

Yes balance better! Thank You.

[@TaroIwamoto]

Wonderful!

[@janicemurphy7878]

Thank you very much I'm gonna start this and other movements tomorrow. Awm

[@TaroIwamoto]

You're welcome! Enjoy your movement practice!

[@gailmccredie2561]

Loved this exercise! Thanks!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Great! Next one coming next Wednesday. Stay tuned!

[@graydonargast9322]

Thank you

[@queeniepillay7972]

I'm a first time.. so impressed..felt tremendous relief..thank you soooo much stay blessed

[@TaroIwamoto]

my pleasure!

[@ExtraPencil2]

I have a serious balance problem after a badly broken heel that wasn't treated correctly. So I think I'd have to practice a lot more before I see much improvement. But I could feel what the exercise is meant to do--and I'll work on it again. Thank you!

[@ritayoskowitz8174]

Thank you, Taro

[@TaroIwamoto]

your welcome!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thanks for watching! Check out my "Improve Balance with Feldenkrais Method" Playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLYIB3CxhjXiz1-QsI06IDSbei8ubrUDq1 "Becoming More Balanced" video course: trans4move.com/online-store/become-more-balanced Suggested book(s): - Awareness Through Movement: amzn.to/3jrRZ70

[@sonyabrown1449]

Yes, my balance improved a bit on the right leg.

[@jaymehawaii]

Awesome

[@ratherboutside2]

Not only did this improve my balance, but it got rid of my hip pain that started when I ran on a treadmill for the first time in years. My hip has been hurting for close to six weeks and yoga wasn’t helping as I had hoped it would. I did this exercise plus your touch your toes and the back/hip connection ones and I felt amazing afterwards. Thank you! I have already subbed and shared your channel with my friends

[@physiocosuivipt.3039]

merci! fantastique!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thank you!

[@Nillerus]

Brilliant lesson.

[@TaroIwamoto]

thank you:)

[@jennamclean7317]

balance did improve. Thank you.

[@TaroIwamoto]

Great! By the way, the part 4 of this series will be posted on Wednesday!

[@doritkrohnke1273]

Danke!

[@TaroIwamoto]

thank you !

[@thuphan1365]

Yes , my balance is improved.

[@TaroIwamoto]

great !

[@8daudiostereowideningsongs387]

Thank you taro... struggled everyday stand on one leg...after i tried your method i was able to Thank you so much😊

[@TaroIwamoto]

were you surprised by it?

[@marybeckman785]

Whew. I had trouble! I was wobbly on both sides with the initial balance test. Then, I had a hard time lying flat on the floor so did everything on a firm bed. Then, I was okay with everything going to the right, but I couldn't do the last exercise (with arms up) to the left. And finally when I retried the first balance position, I was more wobbly on both sides than when I started. I'm appreciating your videos and hoping I can make some progress with this one. I'm a very active 68 yo woman and starting to work on balance.

[@TaroIwamoto]

I am sure you will improve with more practice. Balance is about quality of movement. Moving slowly and attending to quality of movement and breathing are very important. Quality of movement and breathing move together.

[@madeline569]

I am self teaching dance and ballet at home so this is very helpful information thanks a lot :)

[@TaroIwamoto]

Great!

[@TheMonique1960]

Yes, it made a big difference

[@TaroIwamoto]

wonderful!

[@chansohhar714]

Mindfulness good focus thank you

[@TaroIwamoto]

you are very welcome

[@ksandquist1]

My balance improved! Nice video!

[@TaroIwamoto]

Were you surprised by that? Balance is not just being able to stand on feet. It is about the ability to move and respond to changes so you can continuously adjust your center of mass in relation to base of support.

[@ksandquist1]

Yes I trusted it would work but still surprised. I am looking forward to trying the other balance exercises.

[@edwinyeong1867]

Thanks..really balance a bit body..stop the head spinning and and balance the spinal cord I really like it.

[@birdseyetarot]

Old KZbin linking method broke your links on this vid, just in case u didn’t know. I got the next video on my playlist tho so all good there. This was interesting, wouldn’t have thought of anything like this for balance but I feel a bit more stable indeed

[@ec3315]

Hello, you have created a great channel, the exercises are easy to follow with clear explanation, good demonstration and useful tips on how to self assess whether I'm doing them correctly. Thank you. Two questions related to the balance improvement exercises: 1) For exercises that involve lying down, if I want to use a pillow for head/neck support, is there anything I should watch out for? 2) Is there a limit on the number times per day one can do the exercise, without having to worry about overdoing them?

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thank you! 1) I'd make sure your head support doesn't restrict movement of your head and neck, and also it doesn't lift your head too high. 2) I'd start 1-2x/day, and see how your body feels next week. If you feel okay without any discomfort next day, you can do up to 3x/day.

[@ec3315]

@@TaroIwamoto Thank you for your quick reply.

[@davevesper48]

Working for me 74 yrs old

[@normarg6945]

Thank you Taro, I really improved after doing de first time. Do I continue with the first part until I’m done or do I pass to the second, third, and fourth ?

[@TaroIwamoto]

Great! You can continue to next series as you can do this lesson comfortably. Enjoy!

[@normarg6945]

Appreciate very much your quick response with gratefulness from my consciousness

[@ingridscott91]

Hello Taro. I "accidently" came across your videos a couple of days ago. I had heard of Feldenkrais before, but never really knew what it was about. Now I am interested. I have a question though...I had a spinal fusion (L4/L5) 3 years ago and a few month later a collapsed vertebrae T8. Are those exercises save for me to do? I have become so careful with my movements and every single "unusual" movement does throw my back and neck out. (I am also going to a Chiropractor). I am in some kind of pain every day, it comes and goes. I would love to get some relief! Sorry for the long comment. Thank you very much for your videos and the information you provide here. :)

[@TaroIwamoto]

You are probably worried about spinal rotation involved with this exercise, correct ? Start with much much smaller range. With Feldenkrais mindful movement practice, range of motion is never its emphasis. We always emphaize slow, small, gentle movement. The most important element is your attention to your body and movement so you can sense and feel quality of movement. Improvements depend on quality of your attention and movement rather than quantity of movement. So as long as you keep this principle in mind, you can do this safely.

[@ingridscott91]

@@TaroIwamoto Thank you very much for your quick response! And yes, you are correct about the spinal rotation.

[@heatherbell5306]

I’ve had great success with any of the exercises I’ve tried from your videos... thank you so much. I’m looking for exercises for treatment of GTPS... do you address this in any of your current videos (I couldn’t find it)? If not, could you provide one? Grateful for your knowledge.

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thank you! I have not done any video on trochanteric bursitis yet but I'm planning to address it sometime in the future:)

[@heatherbell5306]

@@TaroIwamoto Thank you for your reply... I will watch for it!

[@atmbs6687]

I say he is for real, I need, !!! look NO FURTHER!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💖

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thank you!!

[@gregorycoursaux7960]

Hello and thanks for the videos! although I have the impression that my balance has improved, I still struggle to find stability, certainly because of the hallux valgus at both feet... is stability impossible without correcting these?

[@TaroIwamoto]

absolutely possible!

[@kfowler6424]

This is great thank you Taro! I want to show this to my Aunty. She has scoliosis of the spine and really terrible balance, probably due to lack of free movement in her spine. She is very sensitive to twisting movements though, and could possibly start to get low back pain before her ribs started to respond. Have you got any suggestions?

[@TaroIwamoto]

This exercise can be very beneficial for someone with scoliosis. I suggest she keeps the range of motion very small. The key is really not flexibility of the spine or ribs, The real secret is the ability to move and adapt responsively to changes. The more the ribs and spine respond to the legs, the better balance will be.

[@kfowler6424]

@@TaroIwamoto Thank you Taro - that's really interesting. So we are looking for some movement to make a connection which leads to more responsiveness, but not necessarily a big movement to improve flexibility. Sensing the movement might be the first place for her to start then. Her balance is so bad, she would struggle to even stand on one leg. I really appreciate your response - this is fascinating to me.

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@kfowler6424 My pleasure! This video series has 4 parts. Next one will be published next Wednesday. Stay tuned!

[@lsh-zi2lc]

Yes, I did have an improvement!👍

[@TaroIwamoto]

Yay!

[@retajabulgasim4079]

@@TaroIwamotoThis looks great and aims at fixing the root causes of imbalance or dis-ease. Is your practice based on or shares the same principles of the expert or top chiropractor doctors healers?

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@retajabulgasim4079 Thank you. My work is based on Feldenkrais Method plus principles of martial arts.

[@laurah.8405]

I did this exercise this morning and later I fell while dragging a heavy branch across the lawn. But I didn't hurt myself at all! Could it be because instead of falling like a stiff plank, I fell first on my hip, then back, then shoulder, more like a roll than a fall? I think so.

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thats quite a possibility. We all fall, and its impossible to prevent falls 100% but we can improve our balance and movement so when we have a fall, we can fall more gracefully with a softer landing. Sounds like that is just what happened to you

[@ccallender4012]

It actually improved. Will have to watch them all and continue practicing. Do you have anything that helps nystagmus?

[@TaroIwamoto]

great! eyes head torso coordination can be helpful. how you organize eye movement with head and torso movement plays a role in eye stabilization

[@ccallender4012]

@@TaroIwamoto, do you have a video on that?

[@TaroIwamoto]

not specifically on that topic but my videos on Improve Neck Playlist, how to lift head easier is relevant to this

[@weihawang4246]

My balance got worse immediately after the exercise. However after a moment or so, I tested again and it was better than before. Questions: 1) Can I do all the four sets of exercise in one setting? 2) How often do I do them?

[@TaroIwamoto]

yes you can do all 4 sets of exercise in one setting. If you take your time to do this with quality attention, this can take about 45 minutes. Practicing it once/day would be wonderful!

[@BuddhatheRockstar]

More steady on one foot after exercise.

[@TheMariukkas]

Is it okay that my body falls/rolls to the side when I do with arms extended? My legs are very long so the weight kinda takes over I guess. Good content!

[@TaroIwamoto]

falling with no control or with stiffening of ribs and spine indicates a loss of balance. you can let go of spine and ribs and allow them to move more freely will allow your body to roll with control but fall.

[@svramchandre7939]

You are simply wonderful... While testing balance if eyes are closed, it's extremely difficult to hold even for 15 seconds, you just fall off unless there is something to hold...why is it so?

[@TaroIwamoto]

our body uses visual information, feedback from inner ear, and from skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints (proprioception) to maintain our balance. So when you close your eyes, you lose visual feedback for balance. It's always harder to balance with eyes closed for everyone. You can do balance exercises with eyes closed to focus more on inner ear feedback and proprioception.

[@svramchandre7939]

Do you mean 'vertigo' Patients? If yes, then are there any special or different exercises? Or these same exercises are sufficient to improve their balance? Thank you so much for you reply..

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@svramchandre7939 If you actually have vertigo, and are experiencing balance issues related to vertigo, I suggest you consult with a specialist. I was just talking about what influences our balance, and you can address different aspects depending on eyes open vs closed; standing on stable surface vs unstable surface; movement of head, etc.

[@AnjiLK1]

Moving so slowly in cross leg position creates tension in thighs & pelvis throughout exercise. Definitely improvement in balance 👍🏿BUT tension remains. Should I have to work so hard trying to keep from falling over?

[@TaroIwamoto]

Its actually the opposite. as you improve coordination, you will have to work much less to keep yourself from falling. Its really coordination that improves balance.

[@lauratempestini5719]

What are the fiery exercises to start with as a new learner?

[@TaroIwamoto]

What is your primary interest and focus? what would you like to improve?

[@lesleymiles4946]

Second time. Balance improved. Posture improved. Feet felt better. Wow. So should I do this one...maybe twice daily...then go on to number 2? Or go on directly?

[@TaroIwamoto]

Glad to hear! Once you get used to moving slowly and attending to your body and sensing the difference, I think you can move onto next one. 2nd one is a continuation of 1st one.

[@queeniepillay7972]

Pls show exercises for lower back pain

[@TaroIwamoto]

i have several videos. have you watched any videos on my Improve Lower Back Pain Playlist yet?

[@lexroet1215]

Are the other videos a progression for this one or just different exercises to train your balance?

[@TaroIwamoto]

have you checked my improve balance playlist?

[@lexroet1215]

@@TaroIwamoto this is the first I tried of that list

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@lexroet1215 i would go to the part two of this series next. There are 4 parts

[@lexroet1215]

@@TaroIwamoto will do, really glad that I found this page. It's only been a little over a week and already notice improvements.

[@goodluck3290]

My question is do you engage the core or keep it relaxed when doing the floor work?

[@TaroIwamoto]

Thank you for your question. A common approach for stabilization is engaging the core to keep your body rigid. While this strategy is helpful when you lift or carry a heavy object, it is not so helpful for balance as it sacrifices mibility for stability. This principle is applied to structures of building. Tall buildings are designed to shift and move when an earthquake happens so they wont collapse. Why bamboo trees dont break when strong wind blows is another example. If they are as rigid as bricks, they would break easily. Instead, they resoond to the wind by allowing themselves to move with the force instead of resisting. This approach to balance is common for many martial arts, but unfortunately not common in conventional balance training. Thus, I created this series.

[@polyannamoonbeam]

@@TaroIwamoto New to this method and your channel.. this explains why it is working for me - the path of least resistance is gentler intuitive way.

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@polyannamoonbeam I like " the path of least resistance is gentler intuitive way"!

[@iftikharbarakzai2084]

Please inform how we gradually reach from this balance exercise from part 1 to part 4. I mean how many days each exercise may be done to gradually reach to ex4 and then continuing to do ex4 for whole life

[@TaroIwamoto]

It depends on each person as everyone learns and progresses at a different pace. Some do 1 to 4 exercises on one day as a full lesson, some practice 1 for 1 day, and move onto 2, some practice 1 for 1 week, and move onto 2, etc. You can try to find what will work the best for you.

[@iftikharbarakzai2084]

Thanks for prompt reply

[@traceylinmiller5628]

What to do if a person cannot get up from the floor?

[@TaroIwamoto]

please check my videos on how to get up from the floor. i have a few videos on this topic

[@georgewoodward2698]

IIf balance problems may be caused by peripheral neurpopathy can exercises retrain the nervous system

[@TaroIwamoto]

absoluetely! our nervous system receive propriopective inputs from all parts of our bodies (skin, joints, muscles, tendons, etc).

[@georgewoodward2698]

t@@TaroIwamoto S=Thank you. What is the best routine? I thought each week do exercises 1-4 in sequence?Or should I do together 1-4 per day on 2/3 days per week?

[@TaroIwamoto]

@@georgewoodward2698 I would practice 1-4 sequentially (one per day). When you become familiar with the whole sequence, you can do them all together as one full lesson. Focusing on improving quality of movement is important. Improving balance is really about improving coordination. When you improve quality of movement, you should be able to go through these movements very smoothly and easily.

[@tiffanybittman7523]

Not stable either foot. Beginning. I don't lye on my floor.

[@TaroIwamoto]

you can do this on bed as well