This is an awesome program. I had strained my hip flexor in early 2022, which created multiple back and hip problems. I'm very flexible and am in good shape from years of dance, yoga, competitive riding, and SuperSlow. I had never experienced such incredible pain as I did with this hip flexor injury. I went through 12-weeks of PT, and while I had some relief, I was not nearly 100%. I did a second round of PT with another therapist and got much better results and I was still not 100%.
A friend had suffered a back injury and had given me a book that someone had given her - 8 Steps to A Pain Free Back, which introduced me to the Gokhale Method. I read parts of the book and soon discovered that there was a Gokhale-certified instructor in Chicago.
I went to a free Gokhale Method introductory session and began to try some of the posture poses/exercises on my own. I noticed that the lingering stiffness and ache in my back/hips seemed better. I did an online evaluation session with Esther Gokhale and then decided to sign up with the local instructor, Aurelia, while continuing to work with my PT.
I have now been through the entire Foundations Course and I feel amazing. Aurelia was wonderful to work with and very patient with me. The simple changes in my posture learned through the Gokhale Method have realigned my spine, strengthened muscles throughout my core, back, shoulders, hips and legs - even my feet have gotten a workout. It takes time and patience because the process changes the way you sit, stand, walk and lie. The program works if you do the work.
My back and hips are 100% and my PT discharged me last week. I continue to work with Aurelia and the Gokhale online alumni classes, where I'm learning how to adapt my yoga to reflect what I've learned and improve my strength in all the new muscles I've activated. I can tell immediately when my posture is out of alignment - I feel my back and hips tightening up - and I also know exactly what to do to get them back in line correctly.
Please note, I'm in my 60s and still work so I spend most of my day at a computer. I no longer end my day with a hunched back and shoulders, and screaming hip muscles. No matter what your age - the Gokhale Method will change your posture and you will feel better.
If you have back pain, shoulder pain, tight hamstrings, a tight psoas, slumped/rounded shoulders, an excessive sway in your back - any pain or injury that has altered your natural posture, I highly recommend that you check out the Gokhale Method and see for yourself. My thanks to Esther and Aurelia for their help and support.
Joanna Broussard