A MOVE Pilates Instructor stretching with bands

Learning the Franklin Method®

at Move Wellness Ann Arbor

We are happy to announce that we now offer Franklin Method® classes. To quote founder Eric Franklin, “The Franklin Method® does not teach a set of exercises, instead it teaches how our practice of everyday movements; Thinking, sitting, standing and walking, what we call functional movements, are the basis of a good movement practice.” Understanding human movement and the movement systems that have been developed to support optimal function, and sharing this with our clients is part of our mission at MOVE.

We repeat everyday movements hourly, without even noticing and in doing so; we get lots of repetition (think how often you might go from sitting in a chair to standing every day). The Franklin Method® encourages us to think about these repeated movements and to make sure we’re performing them with good alignment and efficiency. Building awareness of how we move through our day helps us move with intention.

Franklin Method® classes teach clients to work with their body’s natural design and function. By improving body awareness, clients will map out a clear picture of how their body is moving and work on performing movements safely and with ease.

To sum it up, “Better information, better navigation.” A Franklin Method® saying that highlights the fact that the more one understands how their body functions in daily activity, the better you’ll move.

Private Session

What is the Franklin Method®?

The Franklin Method® as an approach to movement and body awareness. It is grounded in the science that understanding how the body works paves the way for improved health, posture, and performance.

Central to the method is the use of “dynamic imagery”, which encourages focus on how the body is moving in space. By visualizing specific anatomical functions and concepts, participants can impact the way their bodies move, leading to heightened efficiency and reduced tension. The Franklin Method® states “if you want to change your body, first change your mind.”

Experiential and embodied anatomy, another teaching concept in the Franklin Method®, involves learning about the body’s structure through direct experience rather than purely theoretical study. This approach allows participants to internalize anatomical concepts in a much deeper and profound way.

Releasing Restrictive Movements

Classes emphasize the re-education of movement patterns, enabling individuals to let go of restrictive patterns and figure out how their unique body is designed to move. This process not only improves physical alignment and flexibility, but also fosters a stronger connection between the body and mind.

The Franklin Method® complements and enhances other movement modalities and athletic endeavors very effectively. It can help clients take their yoga, Pilates, and GYROTONIC® training to another level through improved proprioception (understanding how your body is moving in space) and better overall efficiency of movement and form.

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Benefits of Integrating the Franklin Method® with Pilates

Integrating the Franklin Method® into your movement practice offers benefits to any other workout modality including Pilates. What you learn in a Franklin Method® class will help you:

Enhance body awareness and to practice proper form when moving.
Utilizes dynamic imagery and experiential anatomy for a better understanding of how your body is moving from exercise to exercise.
Move with greater ease in your Pilates or GYROTONIC® exercise practice.
Focus on re-educating movement patterns (i.e. correcting improper form).
Prevent and/or rehab from injury or surgery.

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MOVE Wellness’ Franklin Method® Fridays

At MOVE Wellness in Ann Arbor, we offer a fun and engaging class with Integrative Movement Specialist, Suzanne Willets-Brooks, known as Franklin Method® Fridays. Join Suzanne weekly as she provides participants with an in-depth exploration of the Franklin Method’s® benefits. This class will focus on a different part of the body every six weeks, starting with the pelvis.

In this class you will:

Learn how your body moves in day to day activities such as sitting, standing, and walking
Experience, strengthen, and mobilize fascial and muscular connections of the body
Learn functional anatomy in easy to understand and useful terms
Use Franklin Method tools to create efficient movement patterns
Decrease pain and improve posture
Increase range of motion

This class is for people who can stand, sit, lie down, and have at least a basic understanding of Pilates or GYROTONIC® exercise. This class will be especially helpful for those who have issues with balance, sacral instability or pain, or pelvic floor health.

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What to Expect at Franklin Method® Fridays

During a Franklin Method® class, participants can anticipate a structured blend of educational and experiential activities.

Each session is organized to balance a bit of anatomical education with hands-on application and movement. Attendees will engage in a series of activities that incorporate dynamic imagery, experiential anatomy, and practical exercises. As participants are guided through these exercises, they will learn to apply the principles of the Franklin Method® to improve alignment, develop core strength, and refine movement patterns.

The classes offer opportunities for personalized feedback and guidance directly from Suzanne. By attending Franklin Method® Fridays, clients can benefit from increased body awareness, better movement efficiency, and an enriched understanding of how their body functions.

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Enjoy the Franklin Method® at MOVE Wellness Today!

Exploring the Franklin Method® alongside Pilates or GYROTONIC® exercise can unlock new levels of performance and well-being, empowering all of us to move with balance, grace and confidence. Clients will enhance their overall movement practice through improved body awareness, alignment, and movement efficiency.

Learn more about Franklin Method® Fridays or browse our full schedule of Pilates classes!