I have been aware of the Gokhale method for 10+ years and found Esther’s book and videos very helpful for my occasional back discomfort. However, I didn’t fully embrace her approach until this year, when I experienced persistent pain in my right hip and back. I was thrilled to discover that a video consult and bi-weekly meetings in the online Elements course with my teacher, Aurelia Vaicekauskas, made such a huge difference in fully understanding and applying the Gokhale method for my specific needs. My pain is mostly gone, but what is even more valuable to me is knowing how to hold my body, stand, walk, and reach to strengthen the right muscles to prevent issues in the future. I also know exactly what to do when I experience discomfort. I have a lot of practicing to do to undo the bad habits I’ve developed over many years, but I feel I’m well on my way, and I am using the Gokhale fitness classes and Online University to help reinforce my learnings.
Aurelia has been invaluable in getting me to this place. As a massage therapist, she is so knowledgeable about the body. She listened carefully and observed me on the video, providing real-time tweaks, helpful tips, and encouragement. The course itself was just the right amount of information each week, with lessons that were clear and challenging. Aurelia’s overall warmth and enthusiasm as a teacher made me look forward to the lessons. Her reinforcement of key concepts for me to take away from the lessons, based on my specific needs, was incredibly helpful. I am still amazed at how effective she was, given that we couldn’t meet in person (in-person classes weren’t an option where I live). I owe a huge thanks to Aurelia and the Gokhale method!