Workshops
Well-Armed | The Balanced Runner (NY) | The Balanced Runner (CO) | The Balanced Stride | What Runners (K)need to Know
Balanced Runner workshops teach the whole-body coordination changes that will help most 
runners meet specific goals. Workshops begin with a small amount of running so you can observe in yourself things you do that you probably never noticed before. Then you’ll do a sequence of movements lying on a mat that are key to improving your running, but are too subtle to discover or experiment with while you are actually running. This process allows you to really break down your running into its constituent parts and put it back together again better than before.
At the end of the workshop you’ll run briefly again, applying what you learned when you were lying on the floor and getting familiar with a set of sensory reference points to help you run that way in the future. You’ll leave the workshop with a checklist of form improvements you’ve learned to implement and an audio CD to help reinforce the effects of the workshop.
In addition to the regular public schedule of Balanced Runner workshops listed below, private workshops can be arranged for your team, group, or organization. Call Jae at 646-256-4414 for more information.
2008 Workshops
Because class size is limited, pre-registration is required for every workshop. To pre-register, click on the link below the workshop you’d like to take, call Jae at 646-256-4414, or email info@balancedrunner.com. Workshops are generally held in the Chelsea area in Manhattan. Specific location details will provided when you register.
Well-Armed
Friday, May 9, 7-9 pm
New York, NY
click here to register
A balanced, appropriate arm swing is the runner's secret weapon for pacing, power, and reducing overall joint stress. But many runners have idiosyncratic armswing habits that strain the shoulders and neck, cost precious energy, and interfere with efficient use of the hips and legs. In this workshop, you'll learn how to:
You'll leave this workshop with a better handle on arm technique as well as a considerable overall improvement in efficiency. This is the most transformative of all the Balanced Runner workshops.
The Balanced Runner
Saturday, July 12, 1 pm-6:30 pm
Feldenkrais® Institute, New York, NY
call 212-727-1014 to register
Conventional wisdom has it that every person has a distinctive running style that can't be changed without risking injury and that performance depends on strength, endurance, and guts. Runners abandoning such beliefs face conflicting theories on the proper way to run, how to safely change their form, and how to prevent injuries and improve economy.
This comprehensive afternoon workshop will cover how to use the core muscles for maximum economy, how to align the hips, knees and feet to reduce knee and foot strain, and how to coordinate the upper and lower body for power. Competitive runners will reduce imbalances and improve economy, and beginning runners will get a thorough introduction to running mechanics. Runners at every level will learn the main elements of good form and the process that helps each person safely grasp efficient, healthy, and technically masterful running.
This workshop covers the same material that will be covered in Boulder on July 29.
The Balanced Runner
Tuesday, July 29, 10 am-12:30
Boulder, Colorado
click here to register through the Feldenkrais Conference website
Conventional wisdom has it that every person has a distinctive running style that can't be changed without risking injury and that performance depends on strength, endurance, and guts. Runners abandoning such beliefs face conflicting theories on the proper way to run, how to safely change their form, and how to prevent injuries and improve economy.
As part of the 2008 Annual Feldenkrais Conference, Jae Gruenke will present this workshop based on her popular and effective Balanced Stride workshops. For competitive runners, this workshop will help reduce imbalances and improve economy, and for beginning runners it will be a thorough introduction to running mechanics. Runners at any level will learn the main elements of good form and the process that helps each person safely grasp efficient, healthy, and technically masterful running.
The Balanced Stride
Friday, August 15, 7-9 pm
New York, NY
click here to register
Most runners know they should be using their abdominal muscles when they run, but do it incorrectly or have trouble doing it at all. In this workshop, you'll learn how to use your abs in a balanced, effective way, supporting your back and allowing the proper interplay between your shoulders and hips. Mastering this essential movement pattern will help you:
- Reduce excessive impact
- Decrease the strain on your hips, knees, and feet
- Ease low back stress and discomfort
- Run in a more balanced, efficient way
What Runners (K)need to Know
Friday, September 19, 7-9 pm
New York, NY
CANCELLED
A balanced running form is essential for healthy knees. In this workshop, you'll learn the movements of your core that are key for proper use of your knees, as well as for relieving the stress on your hamstrings, IT bands, and feet. In addition, we'll look closely at the relationship between your feet, knees, and hips to help you align them properly when you run. You'll learn how to:
- Support your knees by using your hips, abs, and back correctly
- Improve the alignment of your knees and feet
- Reduce excessive impact and lower back stress