Movement matters
Feldenkrais method of movement helps golfers become more self-aware
By Marcy Horwitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer Mike Williams, a practitioner of the Feldenkrais method of movement, demonstrates how a golfer's positioning can impact his or her swing.

Weekend golfers face two common problems, says Mike Williams.

"One is lack of self-awareness. The second is too much activity between the ears."

Both problems stem from the same two causes: a lack of muscle memory and confidence in their swing because weekend golfers typically aren't able to spend enough time on the course to truly perfect their performance.

As a weekend golfer himself, Williams knows this firsthand - he shoots in the mid-90s when he can find the time to play. (Stonehenge is his favorite local course.)

But Williams makes up for his lack of time by utilizing his training in the Feldenkrais® method of movement, which can help golfers overcome the problems of self-awareness and lack of confidence.

"The fundamental problem that Feldenkrais lessons help overcome is ineffective habitual actions. Many chronic problems - pain in the shoulders, neck, back, jaw, or trouble bending, reaching, stretching - occur not because of inherent limitations or restrictions, but because of habitual ways of movement. Once more effective ways of moving are learned, the pain or restriction goes away. The same thing is true in the golf swing," explains Williams.

Feldenkrais helps golfers become more aware of how subtle body movements can impact their score on the course. How does it feel when the shoulders turn, but the hips don't? What happens when the ankles don't articulate and the feet stay planted flat on the ground? Does that restrict the movement of the hips? How can you move in a different, more effective way?

Feldenkrais lessons teach efficient and effective ways of moving. As a result, says Williams, "You'll use less energy to achieve the same distance. You no longer will feel like you have to come out of your socks to get the distance you want."

And that, in turn, has a direct impact on the amount of chatter in your head.

"When you have confidence, you don't have to swing so hard. And you don't have to think so hard," said Williams.

For more information on Feldenkrais, visit www. feldenkrais.com.