Learning to Bend, Your Way · 6-Week Live Zoom Series
Get ready for all the bending the holidays bring.
Learn how to bend with greater ease.
Fridays, 12 to 1 PM Eastern (9 AM Pacific)
6 live classes: Nov 6, 13, 20 and Dec 4, 11, 18
No class Nov 27 (Thanksgiving weekend)
The holidays ask for a lot of bending: at the sink, at the stove, lifting a heavy dish out of the oven, wrapping gifts on the floor, picking up little ones, hauling boxes of decorations. In these six live classes, you'll learn to move from your hip joints, find a more supple spine, and let your pelvis, ribs, and head work together so your whole self takes part in every bend. The result: bending that feels lighter and more comfortable, steadier balance as you reach and lift, and more energy left for the people you're celebrating with. By the time the holidays arrive, you'll be ready for all of it.
Early bird $99 through October 30, then $129 · 6 live classes + recordings · Q&A after every class
This is learning, not exercise
These classes will feel different from a workout or a stretching class. Knowing that going in is what helps the lessons work.
There is no right or wrong
Ever felt uncoordinated in a group class, or unsure what the instructor was asking of you? No worries here. There's no right or wrong way to do these movements. It's all about finding what works for you. I've spent years guiding people through this work, and I'll help you find your coordination at your own pace, without pressure.
Expect small, easy movements
In class, we explore with small, slow, easy movements. Keeping them small makes it easier to feel what you're doing and to learn how the whole movement fits together. The result tends to be deeply relaxing: you leave feeling calm, soothed, and moving more fluidly than when you arrived.
Each week builds on the last
This is a progressive series. Each class takes what you learned the week before and builds on it. One week you'll learn to move well from your hip joints; the next, you'll combine that with free, fluid movement through your spine. Week by week the pieces come together, so by the end you're bending with your whole self.
What you'll explore
Six live classes, each building on the last, moving lying down, sitting, and standing. Over the series, you'll explore:
Where a Bend Really Starts
Sense how the hip joints move the pelvis, so bending can begin from your hips instead of your lower back.
Letting Your Spine Take Part
Feel how movement can travel through your whole spine instead of bending from one stuck spot.
How Your Head Guides a Bend
Sense how the head and eyes lead, and how the weight of your head can counterbalance you instead of pulling you down.
Breathing as Feedback
Use your breath to notice what is well supported and what feels easier. When the breath gets held, the movement is asking for too much.
Rethinking Tight Hamstrings
Why stretching alone often does not change how bending feels, and what shifts when more of you takes part.
Bending Through the Holidays
At the sink, at the stove, lifting from the oven, picking things up from the floor, getting in and out of a chair.
No class on Friday, November 27 (Thanksgiving weekend).
What's included
Everything you need to take part, live or on your own time.
6 live classes on Zoom, Fridays 12 to 1 PM Eastern (9 to 10 AM Pacific).
Recordings of every class, available for 6 months, so you can catch up or repeat a lesson.
Time after every class to share your experience and ask me questions directly.
Your Zoom link by email right after you sign up, plus a reminder before each class.
No props needed. Just a mat or carpeted floor, a sturdy chair, and comfortable clothes.
A welcoming space where camera on is encouraged, so I can see you and guide you.
Is this class right for me? These classes are gentle and accessible to almost everyone. Everyone learns at their own pace and brings their own body and history to class, so results will vary from person to person. Some lessons will be done lying on the floor, and some will be done seated in a chair.
If you have a serious injury or health condition, please reach out to me directly so we can discuss and determine if this class is right for you.
*Always check with your doctor before starting any new movement program.
Is this right for you?
Being clear about this up front means the people who join are the people it helps.
A good fit if you
- Want to feel ready for the cooking, cleaning, and lifting the holidays bring
- Find bending stiff, effortful, or uncomfortable and want easier ways to move
- Feel you could benefit from slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and learning to move better
- Are curious about sensing what you feel, not just following instructions
- Like learning live, with a teacher who can see you and guide you
Probably not for you if you
- Would rather follow along on autopilot than pay attention to how you move
- Are looking for an intense workout
- Have numbness, weakness, or symptoms that are getting worse. Please see your doctor first.
Your teacher
Hi, I'm Samantha Arbelo
I have spent over 15 years in movement education. I began as a licensed massage therapist, hoping to give my clients deeper, longer-lasting relief, and I added Pilates to support people through movement. Something was still missing, both for my clients and for my own lifelong back pain.
In 2015, while teaching Pilates at a physical therapy clinic, I was introduced to the Feldenkrais Method® and knew it was the missing piece. I completed a four-year professional training in 2020 and went on to advanced training through the IOPS Academy with Jeff Haller.
Change does not come from being told what to do. It comes from discovering what you are capable of, and that is the experience I guide you into.
Can't make it live? You're covered.
Every class is recorded. If a Friday doesn't work, follow along with the recording on your own time and stay right with the group. Questions? Email me.
Common questions
What if I miss a class?
Every class is recorded. You get access to each recording after class, so you can catch up or repeat it whenever you like.
Do I need experience with Feldenkrais®?
No. The classes are taught step by step and new students are welcome. If you would like a feel for it first, try the free lesson.
What do I need?
A device with Zoom, enough floor space to lie down, a mat or carpet, and comfortable clothes. No props required.
What time is the class where I live?
Fridays at 12 PM Eastern. That is 11 AM Central, 10 AM Mountain, and 9 AM Pacific.
Do I have to be on camera?
It's not required, but it is encouraged. A welcoming space where I can see you means I can guide you and give you feedback as you move. If you'd rather stay off camera for a class, that's okay too.
How long can I watch the recordings?
You have access to every recording for 6 months, so you can catch up or come back to the lessons.
What is the difference between the early-bird and regular price?
Only the price. Sign up by Friday, October 30 for $99. After that it is $129.
What if something comes up and I can't take part?
All sales are final, but you're covered. If something comes up before the first class on November 6, email me and I'll credit your full payment toward a future series. If you miss a class once we start, every class is recorded and available for 6 months.
Is this a replacement for physical therapy or medical care?
No. These classes teach movement and do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. They can complement the care you are already getting.
Not sure if this is right for you?
Email me at samantha@evolvingselfco.com before you sign up, or start with the free lesson.
Learning to Bend, Your Way · Before the Holidays
Head into the holidays with easier bending
Six live Zoom classes, Fridays at 12 PM ET starting November 6, with recordings included. $99 early bird through October 30, then $129.