Core Awareness

Psoas 101: 3 Easy Steps for Relieving Psoas Pain

Liz Koch — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:09:03 +0000

Stop – misusing, overusing and abusing your core muscle. Look – are you sitting on top of both sits bones, with your hip socket slightly higher than your knee? Listen – to your Psoas as the messenger of core integrity. How do you nourish yourself? Misuse- we misuse our Psoas when our pelvis is not balanced. Sit with [...]

Psoas Role in Unraveling Scoliosis

Liz Koch — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:16:29 +0000

Just returned from 4 days of intensive work with the amazing Bob Cooley Founder of The Genius of Flexibility Studio located on Copley Square in Boston. A gorgeous view of the city, with amazing elite trainers I was well cared for and supported in my ability to achieve more balance and focus. Bob is who [...]

Back To The Source: The Powerful Psoas During Pregnancy & Birth

Liz Koch — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:18:04 +0000

I am headed to San Rafael California to teach a group of Doulas, Midwives, Attendants, and Mom’s all about their Psoas. So why is the Psoas so important during pregnancy, birth and postpartum? Because for a woman, her pelvis is the cradle of civilization. It needs to be lush, centered, and dynamic. The Psoas, spoken [...]

Hip Socket Surgery & Recovery: An Interview with John Crites

Liz Koch — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:22:39 +0000

Personal trainer and post-secondary injury rehab specialist John Crites (Core Strength RX Gym in Scotts Valley, CA), has extensive experience with hip socket surgery, pre-rehab preparation, and post rehab recovery. Born with congenital hip dislocation John has experienced five major joint surgeries and one minor surgery. A power lifter, he currently squats nearly 300 lbs. [...]

One Day Psoas Workshop ~ Auburn CA February 25th

Liz Koch — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:18:19 +0000

Great way to meet and work with me in an intimate setting, small group for 5 hours. Get to Know your Psoas and regain dynamic core health! All 2012 workshops are now ready for registration

Maiden, Mother, Crone: Our Pleasure Playlist

Liz Koch — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:15:04 +0000

Sex & The Psoas ~ is the focus of my part (crone) of Maiden, Mother, Crone: Our Pleasure Playlist. It is the first time I have really spelled out the importance of the Psoas to sexual pleasure. I may be a crone but you can benefit from my wisdom right now – no matter what [...]

Workshop Schedule Preview For 2012

Liz Koch — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:31 +0000

January 15 ~ 5-Hr Psoas Introduction (Scotts Valley CA) January 28 & 29 ~ 12-Hr Psoas Workshop (Santa Fe NM) January 29 – February 3 ~ Retreat & Application Course (Ojo NM) February 25 ~ 5-Hr Psoas Introduction (Auburn CA) March 2-4 ~ Psoas During Pregnancy & Birth Workshop (San Rafael CA) March 16-18 ~ Stalking The Wild Psoas Playshop (Santa Monica [...]

Why Stalk The Wild Psoas? The Wilderness is inside of you…..

Liz Koch — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:34:21 +0000

The Wilderness is inside of you streaming through your blood, vibrating in your tissue, resonating in your bones… Are you wondering why take a Stalking The Wild Psoas workshop? Recently a man called me from the UK asking for a description between the Psoas Depths workshop and the Stalking the Wild Psoas Workshop in the Netherlands. What [...]

What People Are Saying About Core Awareness

Liz Koch — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:29:52 +0000

“I cannot tell you how much better I am because of what I learned from your book and the exercises. If I had not “bumped” into you through the internet, I am convinced I would still be debilitated and probably getting worse over time. What you offer is so important.” “I wanted to let you know [...]

Tom Myers & Liz Koch: A Psoas Conversation Part II

Liz Koch — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:31:56 +0000

Tom Myers author of Anatomy Trains and Liz Koch author of The Psoas Book continue their discussion of the core Psoas. Tom Myers is an integrative manual therapist who conducts professional training programs. Liz Koch is a somatic movement educator focused on the vital role of the Psoas in functional movement, human expression, and trauma protocol. In Part Two [...]

European Psoas Tour Begins

Liz Koch — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:24:51 +0000

This week I leave for the UK & ITALY to teach 3 Psoas Workshops and 3 Classes. Starts with June 18 & 19 workshop in Newcastle England, Rome Italy (my first time) June 20-22, and Bristol England July 2 & 3. The 3 classes include co-teaching with Qi Gong & somatic educator Daniel Lee in [...]

Trauma & The Psoas Connection: An Interview with David Berceli

Liz Koch — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:30:09 +0000

David Berceli, Ph.D. an international expert in the area of trauma intervention and conflict resolution, defines trauma, provides steps to recovery, and explains why your psoas is part of trauma resolution. For over 30 years Dr. Berceli has lived and worked throughout the world, including Israel/Palestine, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Yemen, Egypt, and Lebanon, [...]

Unraveling The Psoas Muscle On Land – Using A Chair

Liz Koch — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:19:36 +0000

Liz Koch, author of The Psoas Book, explains and demonstrates unraveling the Psoas muscle on land using a simple kitchen chair. Using a chair for unraveling the core Psoas offers a fun, creative way of counteracting every day tension patterns, eliciting a dynamic responsive nervous system, and maintaining a juicy Psoas. The Psoas, as messenger of [...]

Early Registration Discount Dates Extended

Liz Koch — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:43:37 +0000

Register now and save! Juicy Psoas Workshop (Soquel CA) until Feb 16th, 2010. Psoas Workshop (Estero FL) until Feb 16th, 2010. Psoas Workshop (Santa Monica) until Feb 28th, 2010. Workshop Schedule

Off To Rio Caliente Psoas Healing Retreat ~ Come Join Us!

Liz Koch — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:31:37 +0000

The Dynamic Female Pelvis: An Interview with Christine Kent

Liz Koch — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:16:17 +0000

Christine Kent RN author of Saving the Whole Woman, Natural Alternatives to Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence offers the definitive book on non-surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Liz Koch and Christine Kent discuss the healthy dynamic female pelvis, faulty pelvic female anatomy, and the causes, mis-management, and prevention of pelvic [...]

Get To Know Your Psoas in 2011

Liz Koch — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:46:50 +0000

The Psoas is no ordinary muscle but a profound segway into the rich, inner and outer world of awareness and consciousness…. Your Psoas, like the tongue, is an organ of perception; A messenger organizing you in space & time Your Psoas is part of your flight, fight, and freeze response; Survival depends upon a healthy Psoas Your Psoas [...]

Tom Myers & Liz Koch: A Psoas Conversation Part I

Liz Koch — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 04:28:09 +0000

Tom Myers author of Anatomy Trains and Liz Koch author of The Psoas Book air their professional perspectives on working with the Psoas. Both Tom & Liz have extensive personal and professional experience working with the Psoas. Having trained with Ida Rolf in the 70’s, Tom Myers comes to this discussion with an extensive hands-on [...]

Delicious Psoas Stretch For The Holidays

Liz Koch — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:24:16 +0000

Power-lifter (804lb) & strength trainer Deric Stockton (see box squat video below) created this simply delicious psoas stretch, implementing Spine Based Movement (TM). Add it to your holiday fare for a relaxing, easy to digest Season! Begin in Constructive Rest Position (CRP) for 2-5 minutes. Tuck a Slo-mo ball, foam exercise roller, or tightly rolled yoga [...]

Private Sessions in New York City

Liz Koch — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:41:49 +0000

October 19-21 I’m offering Private Psoas Sessions in my Manhattan Studio. Join me for this opportunity to focus on your Psoas. Email me via my contact page to reserve your time & place. One hour minimum $175/$125 second hour (1/2 hours slots).

Bio-Mechanics & The Human Core: An Interview with Katy Bowman

Liz Koch — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:15:04 +0000

Liz Koch interviews Bio-mechanical scientist Katy Bowman on questions about the center of gravity, proprioception, ground force reaction, and the potential for regenerating core health. Interfacing the bio-mechanical paradigm with the bio-intelligent perspective, this provocative discussion clarifies that no matter what the point of reference might be, a healthy Psoas is synonymous with a healthy [...]

Core Strength Box Squat to Balance Pelvis with Deric Stockton

Liz Koch — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:06:31 +0000

Liz Koch author of The Psoas Book explains how to gain core strength while maintaining a supple Psoas by enhancing pelvic integrity. What often appears to be a weak Psoas muscle is really an overused, misused and abused Psoas due to pelvic disruptions. The video shows 3 important steps for balancing your pelvis; good positioning, [...]

Unraveling The Psoas Muscle In Water

Liz Koch — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:03:52 +0000

Liz Koch, author of The Psoas Book, explains and demonstrates unraveling the core Psoas muscle in water. Returning to warm water (and ones embryonic memory) activates and supports a deep regenerative process within the core. The slow, rhythmic, weightless surrender releases tension, while being moved by the fluid nature of water hydrates the “filet mignon” [...]

The Inspiration Behind Core Awareness: An Interview With Liz Koch

Liz Koch — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:21:03 +0000

Movement Educator Cass Phelps interviews Liz Koch, creator of Core Awareness, about how her work with the Psoas Muscle developed over the past 30 years. This interview sheds light into a unique approach for a healthy responsive core, while offering inspiration for awakening your somatic awareness.

Psoas Frenzy = A Burst of Energetic Activity

Liz Koch — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:30:37 +0000

The UK teaching tour was a smash hit! We had so much fun gaining functional psoas muscles, energizing our core by Stalking Our Wild Psoas through play, and gathering insight for our human potential. Creativity in a time of great need!

Psoaslady Headed to The United Kingdom

Liz Koch — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:22:49 +0000

I am headed to England next week to teach four Psoas workshops/classes/retreats/application courses. See Retreats & Workshops for more details. News Flash: The Pilate Foundation of London is making my class available for the first time to everyone. This 3-hours long class on April 29th is just the perfect amount of time to get a great [...]

Q & A: How Does The Golf Swing & Posture Affect the Psoas?

Liz Koch — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:35:16 +0000

Q: How does the golf swing and posture affect the psoas? A: Serious golfers know that full hip socket rotation is a must for a powerful, dynamic, and accurate swing! Faulty swings will twist and disrupt the ability to keep ones eye on the ball. Releasing the psoas is key to developing and maintaining healthy hips. [...]

The Creative Process: A Conversation with Liz Koch & Artist Majio

Liz Koch — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:18 +0000

Majio is a mixed media artist and the director of Anavami Center, which seeks health through expressive arts, metaphor, and dream work. Over a cup of tea, Liz Koch and Majio delve into the rich territory within the physical core: primordial creativity meets the very personal Psoas. The discussion includes how awakening core awareness enhances both [...]

Q & A: Is Fetal Curl In Water A Psoas Release?

Liz Koch — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:26:43 +0000

Q: In your flicker photos (2009 Summer Retreat), there are several of women floating in water on their sides using pool flotation devices (noodles). Is that a psoas release? I floated in my pool one afternoon exactly in that manner long before I came to your work and had the most profound experience: As a [...]

Q & A: What Hands-On Techniques Do You Teach For The Psoas?

Liz Koch — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:22:17 +0000

A: I have many approaches for working WITH the Psoas rather than working ON the Psoas. Once one understands the bio-intelligence of the Psoas as a messenger of the central nervous system, protocol for working with the Psoas changes. I recommend healing the dysfunctions that call upon the Psoas to compensate in the first place; [...]

Becoming Aware of Core: A Psoas & Breath Exploration

Liz Koch — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:00:18 +0000

Cass Phelps (BioTune creator) and Liz Koch connect the power of psoas, breath, sound, trauma resolution with play. Join Cass as he leads (in real time) listeners through a 20 minute breathing, sensing, psoas/diaphragm exploration. Experience the power of awareness for resolving anxiety and tension, while nourishing a healthy core.

Q & A: How Does The Psoas Influence Menstrual Cycles?

Liz Koch — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:34:26 +0000

Q: How does the Psoas muscle influence a woman’s menstrual cycle? A: A woman’s menstrual cycles is directly influenced by the health and suppleness of their iliopsoas. One reason for this is that the nerves of the reproductive organs embed through the iliopsoas. Therefore if you have a dry, tight Psoas you may experience more cramping. [...]

Quick View: My Fall Psoas Workshop Schedule

Liz Koch — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Please join me this autumn at any of the following workshop locations and discover how to regain and maintain a healthy core psoas muscle! St Paul MN: Sept 26 & 27 The Psoas Workshop Your Home: Tele-class Begins in Oct-dates & time to be announced Friday Harbor WA: Oct 23-25 Healing Intensive Des Moines IA: Oct 10 & 11 [...]

New Frontiers For Health: An Interview with Emilie Conrad

Liz Koch — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:06:45 +0000

Somatic Pioneer, Emilie Conrad, the founder of Continuum Movement and author of Life On Land published by North Atlantic Press, redefines body and human potential while exploring bio-intelligent fluid systems for health and vitality. Her visionary perspective is fresh and timely; inspiring creative new ways of thinking and innovating new ways of being, as [...]

Q & A: Why Does Sitting Cause Psoas Pain?

Liz Koch — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:32:20 +0000

Q: Is pain in the hip, groin, and low back caused by psoas problems, especially when sitting for long periods of time? I do the simple relaxation technique (constructive rest position) and it works, but it does not last. A: The key phrase within your question is “sitting for long periods.” How one sits will either [...]

Q & A: How To Recruit Psoas Not Superficial Hip Flexors?

Liz Koch — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:42:32 +0000

Q: I have been working with your book for about three weeks now. I am a pilates and yoga teacher and practitioner but was injured skiing three months ago- broken ribs, collarbone sprained sterno-clavicular joint. I am aware how much I use my superficial hip flexors for everything – I imagine instead of the psoas – so [...]

Core Strength: Box Squat To Balance Pelvis

Liz Koch — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:04:30 +0000

Gain core strength while maintaining a supple psoas by choosing to make pelvic integrity a priority. Too often what appears to be a weak psoas muscle is really an overused, misused and abused psoas due to pelvic disruptions. In an attempt to compensate for unstable pelvic sacral-iliac joints, the psoas ends up sore, tight and overworked. [...]

Core Strength: An Interview with Powerlifter Deric Stockton

Liz Koch — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:06 +0000

Liz Koch discusses the psoas muscle and Core Awareness™ principles with Deric Stockton, owner of Core Strength RX Private Gym in Scotts Valley, CA and the creator of SymetriCore™, a system for developing a powerful core. We discuss overuse, misuse and abuse of the psoas, the importance of spine-based movement, and how to maximize [...]

Wish You Were Here!

Liz Koch — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:27:53 +0000

I am back from my 2009 Rio Caliente Psoas Retreat in Mexico! It was an amazing 10-days of psoas explorations on land and in water. The source of Rio Caliente’s amazing healing water is an under the earth volcanic lake. The water is truly transformative! Add the great food, friendship and fresh air and you have [...]

09 Tax Deductible Psoas Training & Healing Retreat In Mexico

Liz Koch — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:32:01 +0000

Get out of the harsh winter cold and join me for five, seven (or ten) days and nights in Paradise. Heal your psoas, revitalize your spirit and quench your passion for play! Sign up for the Application Course and take the training/retreat as continuing education tax deduction!

The Heart of Desire: Jami Sieber’s Cello Music

Liz Koch — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:10:30 +0000

Jami Sieber’s cello music evokes a vibration for opening the heart of desire and awakening the hardened psoas. Provocative and inspirational, Jami blends voice and haunting melody to both capture the imagination and open universal emotional channels of longing, celebration and harmony. Liz Koch and Jami converse about the origins of her music, her musical [...]

Psoas Awareness in England

Liz Koch — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:46:25 +0000

I just returned from 10 days in England, where I was received with both a bit of shock and awe, during my historic keynote presentation on Stalking The Wild Psoas. This visually potent keynote will be available for sale in ‘09 as a teaching tool for instructors interested in developing a new paradigm for core wholeness. The Application Course, held [...]

Keynote Speaker At International Bowen Conference

Liz Koch — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:27:28 +0000

I’ll be out of the office until November 10th as I travel to London for the International Bowen Conference where I will be a keynote speaker. My topic is Stalking the Wild Psoas: Awakening the Dynamic Core. I’ll be touching upon the urgent need to change our language about “body” from the current bio-mechanical [...]

8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: An Interview with Esther Gokhale

Liz Koch — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:51:53 +0000

Esther Gokhale author of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Remember When It Didn’t Hurt, Pendo Press 2008 and Liz Koch discuss the importance of sitting, bending and feet in this fascinating look at everyday ways to resolve chronic back pain, discover a supple dynamic psoas muscle, and regain overall ease of movement. Author, teacher and [...]

A Great Time In England – What Particpants Are Saying

Liz Koch — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 05:41:46 +0000

My June 2008 European tour was great fun! The Pilates Foundation of London welcomed me back for the 5th year to teach a class for their Pilate’s students and instructors. I especially enjoy how ready these eager participants are to learn about a healthy supple core. They have a strong training in somatics and each [...]

The Power of Sound: An Interview with Cass Phelps

Liz Koch — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:25:17 +0000

Discover the power of sound for healing your psoas in my first podcast episode. Cass Phelps is a Continuum teacher and creator of Bio-Tune. Cass and I taught an experimental play workshop Primal Instincts in 2006 that focused on Biognosis “knowledge from life”, gathering knowledge directly from the wilderness within our being. With over 50 [...]

Do You Dare? Undomesticate Your Psoas!

Liz Koch — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:06:57 +0000

Wild: An Uninhabited Region Left In Its Natural State. Join me for a 3-day movement exploration! Un-leash your deepest core muscle: the instinctive, primitive, fluid and emotional Psoas and feel a sense of wholeness, freedom, well being, and health. Workshop details and online registration.

First Ever – Psoas Teleclass

Liz Koch — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:36:30 +0000

Introducing my first teleclass. April 9th through May 7th, 2008. Five consecutive Wednesdays, from 4pm to 5pm PDT (7pm to 8pm EDT). Enjoy each, one-hour virtual class, from the comfort of your own home! Registration cost $195. More info and registration.

Vibrant Skin & Vibrant Core 1-Day Workshop in Santa Cruz

Liz Koch — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:18 +0000

Co-taught with Licensed Aesthetician, Wellness Therapist & owner of Studio T: Total Skin Wellness Toddy Elizabeth Merrill, this one day exploration will teach you the inner secrets for vibrant skin, facial toning, and core beauty. Early registration is available for $135.00. Learn more and register online!

Happy New Year!

Liz Koch — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:19:22 +0000

2008 is sure to be a wild unknown year and the right year for liberating your Psoas! Come join me and learn new protocols for core health. The old locked down, mechanical model is out and the new bio-intelligent perspective is in! Take the plunge deep within and play as if your life depended [...]