Testimonials

I have been taking Feldenkrais classes for decades with some of the most acclaimed practitioners (including Moshe) and none have surpassed Brad's intuitive knowledge and engaging style. With his irreverent sense of humor and steady banter it is sometimes easy to forget that this is serious work. But don't worry -- he provides steady reminders and encouragement. It is an amazing gift to find someone of his talent in Palo Alto.
- Sharon A - Ashland, OR
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I've been attending Brad's Feldenkrais classes for nearly 4 years at the Palo Alto JCC. When I began, I had no idea what or who Feldenkrais was. I was experiencing terrible aching and joint pain in my hips, shoulders and back from work-related repetitive movement that was keeping me awake at nights. Within a few months of attending this class, I was feeling 100% better, and continue to feel great to this day. Brad is a remarkable teacher who is incredibly knowledgeable about the way your mind influences your body's movements. The best thing about the Feldenkrais method is that one needs no training or special experience to gain the beneficial results of a session. All you need to have is a willingness to listen to Brad's instructions with an open mind and be as lazy and relaxed with your body's responses as you can. After one session you'll be feeling much better.
Ari C, Mountain View, CA
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I've been taking Brad's outstanding Feldenkrais class four times a week for six months now. I really value his extensive expertise, which definitely transmits to his students, and his extemporaneous
and empowering personality, which adds so much depth and clarity to every aspect of the class.
I have taught self-realization for decades in the form of lucid dreaming/lucid living and spent eight years in a spiritual school/seminary. With Brad, I experience a deeper, quieter, and more abounding peace than any meditation I have ever attempted. My mind and body have learned to work together to allow more energy, movement, inspiration, and overall freedom. My heartfelt thanks to Brad and the Palo Alto JCC.
- Beverley D. ,Palo Alto, CA
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Brad Beldner is a superb body therapist healer. He has a beautiful touch stemming from his intuition and sensitivity toward others. I have done all kinds of work with him and ALWAYS feel stronger, more integrated, and deeply released.
- Carol S., Palo Alto, CA
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Brad is a gifted healer/somatic-psycho therapist.
He is intuitive and warm and put me right at ease when I first met him.
I've had the privilege of being under his knowledgeable hands for bodywork, in his movement re-educating Feldenkrais classes and have been gently guided through the Hakomi processes during an extremely difficult time while my mother's health declined.
Brad does amazing job at making me feel comfortable and relaxed at each session and truly listens to what my concerns and needs are and uses the many tools in his knowledge base to attend to my concerns.
Additionally, I hired him to work with my mother in her declining health and she was grateful to be under his care.
He's an amazing resource.
I highly recommend him!
Thank you, Brad!
- Estie G, Palo Alto, CA
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"I am a massage therapist and there are only a few practitioners out there that I keep coming back to. Brad is one of them. His knowledge of Feldenkrais is amazing and it really shows in his work that he has years of experience and training. With a gentle technique he is so effective in getting you all loosened up and the results last for a while.
I'm a triathlete and marathon runner and find his work incredibly helpful for my performance, especially my breathing and running more effortless. I highly recommend getting a session from Brad. You'll be very happy you did."
-Angie W, Advanced Body worker, Chi Running Teacher, Athlete.
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"If you are looking for thoughtful customized bodywork, Brad is a great choice."
-Norvin Powell, Therapist Bodyworker, Structural Integration, Owner Within Reach Fitness
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"Brad is an experienced professional who provides classes in Feldenkrais techniques with thorough knowledge of other somatic and physiological disciplines which inform his teaching. We are lucky to have him as a resource. He also provides individual sessions for specific needs."
`- A.Lee.Z., Psychologist
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Brad is an amazing bodyworker - and a fantastic Feldenkrais teacher. In fact, the reason I joined the JCC of Palo Alto was to take Feldenkrais classes with him, which I attend several times each week. The group lessons are wonderful - due to his thoughtfully varied and carefully scaffolded lessons, his sense of humor, attention to detail, and his background in meditation, martial arts, and theater. The private bodywork sessions also are incredibly helpful, given my history of spinal fusion and subsequent back, hip, and foot problems. I am so grateful for his knowledge and skill.
- Rom H, Los Altos, CA
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"Brad is an intelligent healer with a deep understanding of the mind and body and how the two are interlinked. His depth of understanding means that as a somatic healer, he is effective at coaching someone to release suffering at inner levels and see profound positive changes. He is kind and empathetic -- those traits help him coach others in tackling their biggest health and personal challenges. We're lucky he has chosen to make healing his profession."
- Anoop, Engineer
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"I have worked with many people to heal past trauma, Hakomi and Somatic Experiencing sessions with Brad is what truly opened things up for healing. Through Brad's gentle manner, I felt safe enough to begin the deep exploration necessary to heal trauma. Brad is knowledgeable in many areas of somatic work, and this was clearly evident as he worked with me. Brad reads and listens to body in a skillful way with respect. It is this ability that I have in turn begun to learn for my self. Ultimately, that's has been the biggest gift - to be able to listen to my own body deeply with great respect. Working with Brad has been one of those experiences in life that I will never take for granted. The healing has been profound.Thank you!"
- Julie D, Somatic Coach, Teacher, Writer.
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"Brad's Feldenkrais classes have been nothing short of transformational. I have primary progressive multiple sclerosis (symptoms since ~2000) and have experienced an unexpected quieting of the internal struggle with my symptoms (both physical and emotional). I have regained much function (I'm still walking, working, and parenting an 8 year old), my range of motion has increased, and my symptoms have improved. I swear by Brad's classes as his experience and small class size are unmatched."
-Andrea, Engineer
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"Brad is an amazing bodyworker - and a fantastic Feldenkrais teacher. In fact, the reason I joined the JCC of Palo Alto was to take Feldenkrais classes with him, which I attend several times each week. The group lessons are wonderful - due to his thoughtfully varied and carefully scaffolded lessons, his sense of humor, attention to detail, and his background in meditation, martial arts, and theater. The private bodywork sessions also are incredibly helpful, given my history of spinal fusion and subsequent back, hip, and foot problems. I am so grateful for his knowledge and skill."
-Roma H, Meditation /Tai Chi Teacher
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Brad is an amazing practitioner with a gift for healing touch. He's definitely done his homework and knows what he's doing. He creates a safe and deeply knowledgable space for me to unwind and release any ailments I have. I've done bodywork with him and have attended his Feldenkrais classes. I would recommend to him to anyone.
- Anna H, Student - San Jose, CA
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"Brad Beldner is an expert therapist/teacher in the mind/body practices of Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, Feldenkrais movement, and meditation. I came to him, 4 years ago, because I had had constant low grade pain in my joints and muscles with acute pain in my mid-back for 25 years. I tried everything over the years to get relief. Through a combination of attending Brad's Feldenkrais movement classes regularly and private Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi sessions, the pain has melted away and stayed away...the relief is nothing short of transformational."
- Anne I, Landscape Architect
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"I met Brad at his Feldenkrais class when I was dealing with a frozen shoulder issue. In following his classes, I learned much about how the body functions as a whole. I had been seeking treatment with various physical therapists and an orthopedist who recommended surgery. I found the most improvement with Brad. His class is very accessible and appropriate for all levels, from the hard-core athlete to the recovering injured, and to all ages.
While his class is a wonderful addition to my regular yoga practice, I decided to seek treatment privately in hopes of continued improvement and to avoid surgery. He is great. He is a skilled healer, with deep knowledge of the body-mind and has a very holistic approach. I was particularly impressed by his skills as a somatic therapist. He has a way of connecting with people beyond the spoken word."
-Cindy, Finance Specialist ,Entrepreneur, Mom
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"I have been attending Brad's Feldenkrais class for about six months twice or three times a week. The class is about 1 hour long. Usually about 15 min to 25 minutes into the class, I start to yawn and tears will roll down my cheek as I yawn. I am letting go of my stress, releasing negative thoughts/energy and becoming very relaxed. Yawning is a physical manifestation of relaxation for me.
Benefits: Feldenkrais class in lieu of meditation. I do not need to meditate on the day I take Brad's class. I find the class to be very helpful to keep me centered and grounded. I am so scattered when I have not been to his class for more than a few days in a row.
Not to mention I have been standing taller.
I am not much of a dancer but after taking Brad's Feldenkrais class, I dared to take my first Nia class. I found I can gesture, articulate with my hands, my body moves fluidly, my legs and feet also have expressive movements. I have always danced like a wooden box before taking this class.
My balance is also better.
Everyone that I have send to Brad's Feldenkrais class loves it. A friend of mine now goes to all four of his classes every week." She is addicted to the class.
-Lydia L
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"I have Complex regional pain syndrome. At the beginning of class my entire body is tense and in pain. By the end of class my nervous system has calmed down and I get relief. This is huge. "
-Sonny D. Fitness Teacher
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"I have been taking Feldenkrais classes for decades with some of the most acclaimed practitioners (including Moshe) and none have surpassed Brad's intuitive knowledge and engaging style. With his irreverent sense of humor and steady banter it is sometimes easy to forget that this is serious work. But don't worry -- he provides steady reminders and encouragement. It is an amazing gift to find someone of his talent in Palo Alto."
-Sharon, Retired
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"Brad is a valuable resource to our community. I highly recommend him.
He does really great work with adults and children–very safe, relaxing and restructuring. Try it, you'll love it!"
-Karen C, Realtor
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“Brad is a highly talented body worker and holistic practitioner with a background both deep and broad. I recommend him highly.”
-Shirley A, Author & Fitness instructor
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“I consider Brad an expert in his field. He has vast knowledge of many therapeutic modalities. He is intuitive and mindful in his practice; his manner is respectful yet personable. As a fellow practitioner, I truly appreciate the results I have experienced as his client; acute injury to maintenance and highly recommend Brad as a colleague, consultant and therapeutic practitioner.”
-Lindsay M, Therapist & Owner of Mommy Spa
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"My experiences with Brad's Feldenkrais classes have changed the way I operate in my body. My comfort has increased while my discomfort has just about dissolved. It's wonderful! Thank you so much for doing your work, to allow for my work to feel effortless. May it keep going, and going."
-Sharon, Psychotherapist
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"I particularly appreciate when you take the Feldenkrais class into a movement that brings such deep relaxation and comfort to a body part that was holding unwanted tension and discord. It's like you wave a magic wand of us and joy comes flying in."
-Joan, Chiropractor
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"I originally joined Equinox because I wanted to work with Brad Beldner who was teaching a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement class. My friends told me great things about him and believed the content and pace of the class would help my recovery. They were right–it was fantastic working with him! Brad’s work allowed me to relax and meditate, which in turn helped to reprogram my brain and remember sequences much easier in subsequent dance and movement classes."
-Erin C, Visual Artist
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"I have been a massage therapist for over 10 years and have sent many clients to see Brad for Feldenkrais and Somatic Experiencing work. After I had a pulmonary embolism, I started working with Brad and he helped me get back in shape to do my physical work and compete in Triathlons again. He has studied a lot of different massage/bodywork modalities and brings all his knowledge together in his sessions. He is one of the best Feldenkrais practitioners in the Bay Area. I highly recommend him."
-Angie W, Athletic Therapist
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"Feldenkrais and Hakomi work leaves me feeling freer physically and emotionally. The gentleness of the movements challenges me to change, grow and discover strengths unknown to me previously. Everyone of any age or physical condition will benefit from this exploration and brain awakening experience in movement."
-Corinne D, Teacher
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"I had a Feldenkrais session with Brad and he is fantastic. I felt a lot better–more "connected" and relaxed. Brad has studied extensively with Anat Baniel and practices with special needs children too and has a whole bunch of other tricks up his sleeve, from Somatic Experiencing, Feldenkrais Method, massage, and who knows what else. He's a really nice guy and he looks like Paul Rudd."
-Jennifer, Feldenkrais Practitioner
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Aches and pains had started to plague me. Just sitting became uncomfortable, and the right side of my body was tightening up in weird ways. Plantar fasciitis, and all of these other odd discomforts which have no known name.
Now that my body feels better, I can relax in my mind too. It's really quite surprising what Brad can do.
If you have body based trauma like sports injuries, car accidents, abuse, Brad is trained in Somatic Therapy to release that mysterious residual tension left behind.
- Elle E., Hillsborough, CA
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“Brad is an incredibly talented body worker and healer. He uses a combination of several methods, like Hakomi, Feldenkrais, Cranioacral, and Somatic Experiencing. I am a yoga teacher and counselor, so I can get aches and pains from teaching or sitting all day. He has helped me to return my back to its natural movement. Sometimes the work is still, with his hands resting on my heart, head, etc. It is incredibly nurturing and relaxing. I highly recommend his work.”
-Brandy V, MFT , Somatic Experiencing Practitioner & Anusara Yoga Teacher
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“Brad has studied extensively soft tissue therapies as well as Feldenkrais and delivers it skillfully and with great precision. I have benefited greatly from receiving his skillful touch.”
-Cathy B, Massage Therapist & Fine Artist
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"The Feldenkrais Movement helps me a great deal coping with a thin disc in my lower back."
-Ingrid S, Massage Therapist
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''I have attended about 8 Feldenkrais group classes and had about 10 private sessions with Brad. He is attentive to the needs of everyone in the class and works at a pace that keeps me interested and entertained. I recently had surgery and the private sessions with Brad have brought movement back into my arm/shoulder/back sooner than was expected with no pain. I did "something" that tweaked my back and remembered to do a few of the exercises that I had done with Brad in group and/or private sessions and the pain disappeared and my movement improved.''
-Audrey S, Accounting Manager
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''Of all the things I have tried to relieve my chronic back and leg pain, I've had the most success with the Feldenkrais Method Brad teaches. I have much better range of motion now than I had just a couple of months ago. I would definitely recommend taking one of Brad Beldner's classes or working with him one-on-one.''
-Steve G, Retired Computer Systems Architect
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"I just started my 2nd set of ten classes with Brad. After each class I feel much more integrated in my body. The work is very gentle and yet produces extraordinary results."
-Janet R, Veterinarian
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Brad is great, I love his feldenkrais sessions, all relaxed afterwards and I get a better adjustment from my chiropractor!
- K.C, Menlo Park, CA
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“Brad has incredible sensibilities and perceptive abilities that support his well rounded and grounded knowledge of human beings, healing and how to shift energetic patterns. Whether it is a physical issue or psychological Brad can help facilitate healing the body at a core level. Your are in good hands with Brad. You can count on him to be creative and inventive with the varied skills of his work; which keeps his practice fresh and vital.”
-EC, Artist
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"I have been seeing Brad regularly for 5 years. Prior to this I had been working with therapists for years and had many different practitioners. From the first time I met with Brad, I knew that I had found someone unique and different. Not only was it the best Feldenkrais work I had ever had, but his energy was very calming and helped me relax very quickly. He offers techniques that I had never experienced before...a wonderful combination of movement, healing and relaxation. Brad's knowledge of the body and mechanics of how it works is excellent...I actually stopped going to the chiropractor and just saw him. I feel like I am seeing a doctor and receiving a holistic approach to the healing I need. I have recommended him to many friends who have all loved his work."
-Jennifer V, Marketing Analyst
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"Brad lives the work he teaches. He mirrors slowing down and being in presence with my body in a grounded way. This has assisted me to get in touch with some very old trauma left in my cells. In private sessions Brad has the capacity to meet clients wherever they are along their journey of healing the brain/body connection. For me, his classes are both deep and enjoyable. I always leave energized, more aware, more present."
-Rose B, Anesthesiologist
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"I started seeing Brad after I twisted my knee playing soccer. He had me back in the game within a few weeks. I can't speak highly enough about Brad's work. He's professional and very knowledgeable."
-Sandy S, Spa Business Owner
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"I always feel like a newborn kid after any of your Feldenkrais classes."
-Joanne E, Author, Artist, Entrepreneur
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"I am healing from Lyme Disease and determined to fix all the damage it has done to my body and mind over the last 30 years. I have suffered from intense fibromyalgia, arthritis, assorted muscle weaknesses, and mind/body disconnects. I have had to go very slowly at regaining sensation in my body, for doing too much at once easily causes stimulation overload and pain. I originally joined Equinox because I wanted to work with Brad Beldner, who was teaching a Feldenkrais Movement class. My friends told me great things about him and believed the content and pace of the class would help in my recovery. They were right–it was fantastic working with him! Brad’s work allowed me to relax and meditate, which in turn helped to reprogram my brain and helped me remember sequences much easier in subsequent dance and movement classes."
-Erin, Therapist & Artist/Painter
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"We guys have trouble doing subtle things. I like to run and would do it until I drop. I do pushups and even enjoy them. But, as I get older, I get wiser, and now realize that, to keep my fitness and avoid injury, I need to do more than push myself at every opportunity. I need to learn how to be more efficient, more integrated, and smoother. Feldenkrais promises to help with this. But a belief in that promise alone would not been enough to hold my attention and to keep me coming back for more Feldenkrais practice. It has been Brad's assured, caring, informative approach that has been key to my breaking thru this stupid guy stuff and to return time and again to his sessions, to learn more about my body, to improve in, yes, subtle ways. I especially appreciate Brad's honest attitude and how he openly learns with us. Bottom line, I have benefited significantly from the Feldenkrais practice. Every day, I feel myself moving in more fluid and strong ways that were seeded in Brad's classes. Thanks Brad!"
-Ron Wolf, Board Member, Palo Alto Run Club - Survivor of 7 Tech Start-ups
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"Brad's Feldenkrais Movement class is the perfect antidote for aging bodies. He is a highly trained practitioner who helped me re-train ingrained movement patterns to become more athletic and limber. This retraining is surprising subtle and pain free. The classes are small and taught in a comfortable private studio in Palo Alto. Great addition to yoga, aerobics and massage. BTW he's also a fantastic bodyworker."
- Jim W., Retired CEO
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