Stretching is a part of almost any fitness regime and can have many benefits. There are three reasons we may want to stretch our self. Being clear about which of the three we are engaged with is necessary if we are to approach stretching mindfully.

Let us consider what the method is good for, and what it is not good for, in the realm of physical fitness.

When attending an ATM (Awareness Through Movement) class, the teacher will typically invite us to scan our self at the start of the class and again at the end. In some classes the scan may be repeated several times during the session. What exactly do we do when we scan our self, and why is it so important?

It's about conscious movement: moving with attention, being mindful of how you move. The method was invented by Dr Moshe Feldenkrais, an engineer, physicist, neuroscientist, and martial arts champion. Through bringing our awareness to how we do what we do, we discover other ways of doing.