Aston® Postural Assessment: APA 101
The Art of Assessing
“The Art of Seeing the Fascial Body “
Aston® Postural Assessment: APA 101
Unlock the art of seeing the fascial body with Aston® Postural Assessment 101. This transformative approach will expand your understanding of how the human body is optimally aligned.
“Rather than enforcing physical symmetry, Aston Kinetics™ seeks to recognize the asymmetries that are natural to a person’s body. Therefore, starting with how the body is rather than how it should be.” Judith Aston
Distribution of tension and tone in the fascial network can significantly influence the structural alignment and movement of the human body. This course will increase your ability to see the individual segments where the fascial network is securing the whole body’s alignment pattern affecting function and comfort. This new skill will enable more personalized and effective treatment plans.
Accurately seeing the patterns in a client’s posture and movement is essential to identifying why body symptoms occur and recur in the structure. The development of observational skills and recognition of body patterns puts in place a foundation for the problem-solving skills that are inherent to the highly effective Aston® approach to movement training and the treatment of injury and pain in the human structure.
This comprehensive method goes beyond traditional assessments, empowering practitioners to identify the underlying relationships of discomfort in order to optimize function and facilitate lasting change.
Prerequisites: This is an entry course - no prerequisite course is required.
The APA 101 workbook is required materials for this course. To improve your learning experience you may want to purchase the APA 101 Workbook well before the course for review. You may also wish to purchase the APA 101 Home Study Course to add to your educational track. Choose to bundle the book and CEU Home Course Study together for a discount.
Learning Formats:
Home Study, Live Webinar and Live onsite Courses
What students say and experience
APA101 (and AM201) STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“Taking Aston Postural Assessment - APA101 really helped me organize (and have a course of action) to all the things I was seeing. I understand the body more. Perfect stepping stone.” Amber Robidoux, Boston Mass
“APA101 offers a worldview on our relationships to gravity and within ourselves that profoundly illuminates the body. “ Nate Peyman, Boston Mass
“Loved this training. APA101 has given me a framework that I have been looking for – helped clarify so much for me.” Martha T, Boston Mass
“ APA101 and AM201 challenged some of my beliefs about movement (from a yoga perspective) in a way that honored their importance and broadened my understanding and appreciation of the human form and function.” Robin Lamperti, Boston Mass
Aston Kinetics 101 and 102 class not only benefits your clients, but increases your own body awareness. I have learned how to better assess and help my clients. This class opened me up to see the world in a whole new way. This is well worth your time. I not only recommend this class, I highly suggest it! Courtney Pennacchio, Reno Nv
The Aston courses I have taken (101, 201, 301) have truly added to & improved my practice. Having the ability to look at a person standing or moving through space and getting an idea of what issues could be in their tissues has been so profound (class 101 & 201)! Then you get them on the table and being able to trace a pattern to a place in the body you, and the client, typically wouldn't expect. Aston Kinetics has wonderful teachers and the dynamics of each group in every class has brought a different perspective to the different courses I've done. I highly recommend this course to other LMT so you can discover the power of Aston Kinetics. Dodi Stout, Reno Nv
Thank you for your thoughtful instruction and insights to this amazing technique. The posture assessment approach is the best and most thorough I've ever had the opportunity to apply. I've studied (by video) with Whitney Lowe, Art Riggs, and Tom Meyers but this completely changes things. The tutelage was exceptional. I am grateful for the pace and time allowed to explore firsthand the what, why and how. I highly value our class time as one of my life's highlights. Expanding my knowledge base to further my ability to help my clients is very important to me. Thank you for adding so much in such a short time. Humbly and thankfully yours, Dennis King, Massage Instructor and School owner, Ca.
“ I found the Aston Postural Assessment – APA101 and Moving Beyond Posture – AM201 to provide some of the ‘glue’ between the other methods I have studied. In those other movement methods, I have found that the paradigms are not a one size fits all and that it can be hard to adapt those methods to a diverse population of bodies and experiences. The information I learned in Aston gave me a meta-approach of how to use those other methods to better serve an individual”. “ The level of instruction in the course was impeccable. The teacher do a wonderful job of teaching how to teach. I did my post-graduate work in education and felt that the instruction given in this course was more practical and useful than many of the classes I took for my degree. I left the week with not only a new approach to the body, but new perspective in how I communicate the work to better help my clients”. Shannon Wise, Austin Tx
Aston Movement™ Intro: AM 201
The Art of Aston Arcing
“THe art of moving the fascial body”
Aston Movement™Intro: AM 201
Prerequisite: Aston® Postural Assessment: APA 101 or See-Move-Feel
“Posture is not about conforming to a rigid ideal: it’s about finding your own natural alignment that supports your well-being.” Judith Aston
In The Art of Moving the Fascial Body, students will build their skills from seeing alignment in stance (APA101) to seeing, experiencing and learning to teach Aston Arcing™, a movement design to improve overall body alignment and function.
The Aston Arcing™ movement design gives the body’s structure the opportunity to improve alignment without imposing the traditional postural rules. The design uses cooperative movement of body segments facilitated by the forces of gravity and its counterpart to release tensions and increase tone in the fascial network. Aston Arcing allows the body to organically find its natural center of balance.
“Neutral is not a place of holding, it’s a dynamic awareness.” Judith Aston
Students will practice verbal coaching skills (and practice touch techniques in the live classes) to achieve a neutral body posture for each individual that is dynamic and supportive - easy to learn and maintain.
Prerequisites:
Aston Movement: AM 201 is open to all Movement, Massage and Medical health professionals who have completed Aston® Postural Assessment: APA 101 or See-Move-Feel and are qualified to teach movement/exercise education according to their state’s laws. We recommend purchasing the Moving Beyond Posture Book to add to your education.
Learning Formats: Webinar and Live Courses
What students say and experience
The Aston courses I have taken (101, 201, 301) have truly added to & improved my practice. Having the ability to look at a person standing or moving through space and getting an idea of what issues could be in their tissues has been so profound (class 101 & 201)! Then you get them on the table and being able to trace a pattern to a place in the body you, and the client, typically wouldn't expect. Aston Kinetics has wonderful teachers and the dynamics of each group in every class has brought a different perspective to the different courses I've done. I highly recommend this course to other LMT so you can discover the power of Aston Kinetics. Dodi Stout, Reno Nv
I am still finding it amazing to be able to see things in other people that I never really noticed before As for me, I am trying daily to practice everything I learned. I am a lot more in tune with how I am standing, sitting and walking. Stacy, Reno Nv
“ I found the Aston Postural Assessment – APA101 and Aston Movement Intro – AM201 to provide some of the ‘glue’ between the other methods I have studied. In those other movement methods, I have found that the paradigms are leaning towards a one size fits all and that it is can be hard to adapt those methods to a diverse population of bodies and experiences. The information I learned in Aston gave me a meta approach of how to use those other methods to better serve an individual”. “ The level of instruction in the course was impeccable. The teacher do a wonderful job of teaching how to teach. I did my post-graduate work in education and felt that the instruction given in this course was more practical and useful than many of the classes I took for my degree. I left the week with not only a new approach to the body, but new perspective in how I communicate the work to better help my clients”. Shannon Wise, Austin Tx
“ The assessment of movement for optimization instead of necessarily trying to make large changes thru bodywork has made me dial back my S.I. work to smaller changes in structure to create a better economy of movement with the Aston principles”. Elaine Coolbrith, Boston Mass
“ APA101 and AM201 challenged some of my beliefs about movement (from a yoga perspective) in a way that honored their importance and broadened my understanding and appreciation of the human form and function ”. Robin Lamperti, Boston Mass
If I could show you my WhatsApp messages to friends and family back home about you and the course(s), you would see the words ‘brilliant’, ‘amazing’, ‘inspiring’, ‘absolutely superb’ - and that’s before I wax lyrical about how much I’ve learnt! I’m already reshaping how I will approach my classes, both in my language and teaching cues. I can’t wait to get back and help my students to develop their body awareness and self-help knowledge. My first week back to classes has been brilliant! Firstly, my students were pleased to see me(!) and secondly, quite a few commented how they had felt more change/comfort/movement in their bodies (I focused on pausing arcing at the first restriction - both in standing and during movements on the mat). I explained how this would help to increase movement in that area rather than overcompensating by curving in an already more mobile area of the spine. I am so pleased that some of my students could get/feel this after just one class! In the coming weeks I will be building on this to increase their awareness of their posture and weight bearing and how a neutral alignment allows more comfort and ease/efficiency in movement. There’s so much information to share - I want to make sure that I take them on their own journey of discovery so that they feel rather than just hear the info!
For myself, I found my toning/aerobics class this week SO much easier (despite 2 weeks off!) My pelvis and legs feel a lot more comfortable. Louise, England
Aston Fascial Integration: The Spiraling Technique: AFI 301
The Art of the Three D Touch
“The Art of feeling the fascial body
Aston Fascial Integration: The Spiraling Technique:
AFI 301
In AFI301: The Aston Spiraling Technique™, you will gain a comprehensive set of skills you won’t learn elsewhere and is unique to the Aston Kinetics paradigm. We will teach you a new method for fascial release and revolutionize your current modalities.
“Use finesse - not force to release fascial restrictions.” Judith Aston
Science states fascia doesn’t respond using compression. So why are we working so hard? Aston-Mechanics®, an artful form of body usage, will teach you to support your own body weight in action to impress rather than compress the fascial layers in your client’s body. This usage greatly decreases the amount of stress on the practitioner offering longevity in this physical field.
The Aston Spiraling Technique™ is a painless approach to release fascial tension from surface layers through to the deep layers to include the bone. You will experience how to respect and feel for the restricted fascial layer, move with the grain while honoring the fascial tempo.
“The body is always telling a story; it’s up to us to listen and understand its language.” Judith Aston
Prerequisites:
This is an entry course - no prerequisite is required. However, it is recommended to take either See-Move-Feel or APA101 before taking this course. You will have more skills to assess how the Aston Spiraling Technique enhances body alignment.
Learning Format: Live Courses only
What students say and experience
I could not recommend this course more. After working as a massage therapist for 16 years these classes have completely transformed how I work creating ease in my body where before I would end my days feeling tired and fatigued. It has also helped improve how I see my clients’ bodies, improving the efficiency of my work resulting in better outcomes from our sessions. Nicole Davis, Reno Nevada
“One of the reasons why I sought out the Aston courses was due to my own body pain as a bodyworker. I had restricted range of motion and constant pain in my left shoulder and pain in my hips after a day of work. After taking the Aston Fascial Integration AFI 301 class, my shoulder pain was completely gone. I was given recommendations for table height and changed my mechanics and the pain in my shoulder and hips have not returned. I also attribute this vast improvement to understanding more about my body alignment that I learned in the Aston Postural Assessment - APA101 and Moving Beyond Posture - AM201 courses. Phenomenal! I look forward to practicing and learning more of what Aston Kinetics has to offer. Thank you so much for this learning adventure. I value these lessons greatly” Corina Carson, Maryland
The Aston courses I have taken (101, 201, 301) have truly added to & improved my practice. Having the ability to look at a person standing or moving through space and getting an idea of what issues could be in their tissues has been so profound (class 101 & 201)! Then you get them on the table and being able to trace a pattern to a place in the body you, and the client, typically wouldn't expect. Aston Kinetics has wonderful teachers and the dynamics of each group in every class has brought a different perspective to the different courses I've done. I highly recommend this course to other LMT so you can discover the power of Aston Kinetics. Dodi Stout, Reno Nv
Aston® Fascial Integration: Bodymapping, Palpation: AFI 302
ASTON FASCIAL INTEGRATIOn: PALPATION AND BODYMAPPING
AFI 302 - currently not available
Prerequisite: Aston® Fascial Integration: The Spiraling Technique AFI 301
Progression of Aston® Spiraling and Fascial Integration: AFI 301 skill sets adding palpation techniques and “body-mapping” for session designs.
This course will introduce you to the Aston® system of palpation and notation of the hypertoned and hypotoned tissues within the body’s pattern called “body-mapping.” This advances problem solving abilities by refining visual assessment and palpation skills. While continuing to improve assessment skills, learn how to advance the Spiraling Technique allowing the release of specific tension patterns and work deeper structures without causing pain. The body map is an important tool to enhance problem solving skills and to record the client’s progress.
The advanced problem solving tools address the most complex of myofascial issues and have the ability to truly change a client’s life.
Aston fitness™
Individual Courses and Certification
Prerequisites: Aston® Postural Assessment: APA 101 and Aston Movement™: AM 201 .
Classes can be taken in any order, as one chooses. Once all courses are completed, one may inquire about the Aston Fitness™ Certification Exams.
Aston Fitness™, was developed in 1983 by Judith Aston when she recognized the resulting injuries from conventional exercise programs and equipment. this program offers a sophisticated fitness model that can be applied to all forms of fitness training. Aston Fitness includes specific movement designs to help balance the body and achieve a more integrated neutral.
In addition, the Aston Fitness model has been applied to many established movement forms, such as yoga, Pilates and sports in an effort to optimize movement and efficiency for the individual. The Assessment tools are integrated into these fitness forms to give each client the opportunity to function at their highest level. These are advanced classes for the professional physical therapist, occupational therapist, coach, athletic trainer and massage therapist. This fitness approach has been designed from the Aston Paradigm to decrease repetitive strain, improve accuracy, neutralize consequences and heal injuries sustained during traditional models of exercise.
Aston Fitness™ Training: HORIZONTAL LOOSENING — 5 days
Horizontal loosening begins lying on your back, stomach or side, using supports to optimize body alignments. This provides a release of the deep tethering of soft tissue to the bone. Easy movements are applied in a comfortable range to facilitate better movement in and around a joint or a series of joints. These movements decrease stiffness and discomfort while increasing range of motion and lubricating the joint.
Lubrication and rehydration of the joints are essential in optimal functioning of the body and is helpful to prepare for movement. This can also greatly improve overall function by releasing excessive tone. In addition to preparing for movement, these loosening techniques can quickly release excessive joint and muscle tension post-exercise.
Aston Fitness™ Training: TONING — 5 days
Toning is designed so that muscles are strengthened without adding unnecessary compression to the joints. The exercises begin with the use of body weight against gravity, primarily while lying and standing. Exercises are advanced by adding additional resistance of weights and stretch cords.
Aston Fitness™ Training: VERTICAL LOOSENING — 5 days
Vertical Loosening is done in a standing or a sitting position. Easy movements are applied in a comfortable range to create slack in and around the joints and the borders within soft tissues. These loosening movements result in increased circulation and greater range of motion.
Aston Fitness™ Training: STRETCHING — 5 days
Aston Stretching is designed to stretch the muscle tissue without over-stretching the joints, ligaments and tendons. The client is instructed to use body supports, the most optimal alignment and movements for their body, which is important to achieve flexibility without pain or compromise to the other un-targeted body segments.
Aston Fitness™ Training: CARDIO — 5 days
The Aston concepts are applied to your workout whether it is walking, cycling or stair-stepping. The difference is the alignment and sequencing of the movements. The Aston Treadmill Dancing and Spinning Bike sequences combine balance, toning, cardiovascular training and fun all at the same time!
Learning Format: Live Courses
Aston®
for Pilates
The Aston® for Pilates certification program offers:
Introduction to the Aston system of palpation to assess hypo/hyper tone mobility patterns
Training in teaching, modifying, creating new movement patterns specific to individual need or limitation
Application of these lessons to both Pilates floor work and standing exercises.
Progress the teaching of basic actions: stance, gait, bending, reaching, pushing and pulling skills into more complex applications as the basis for education of private clients and groups
Supervision and assistance for student teaching labs
ASTON®
FOR YOGA
ASTON® FOR YOGA
Prerequisites: Aston® Postural Assessment: APA 101 and Aston-Mechanics®: AM 201
Aston® for Yoga will help integrate the wisdom of Aston® movement concepts into your Yoga practice. Aston® for Yoga provides new tools to explore healthy movement and proper alignment to your students. The Aston® technique will help you find ways to use the body naturally with less effort while still achieving tone and flexibility with the intention of each asana.
Aston® for Yoga learning objectives:
Learning principles of alignment unique to each person
Learning spatial pathways to sequence transitions
Learning how to recycle forces of gravity and ground reaction
Learning to use spiraling movements
Learning how to design yoga movements differently
ASTON FACIAL FITNESS™
Aston Facial Fitness™
This process includes techniques from APA 101 and AFI 301, as well as lymphatic myofascial massage and isometric exercise. Facial toning focuses on the position, resiliency, mobility and tone of the structures from the clavicle up which tend to assist visual acuity and function of the TMJ. This process also neutralizes some of the negative effects of time and emotional expression.
You will learn:
How to use Aston-Mechanics® to revitalize the face
Learn to apply specific techniques for the individual’s unique facial pattern
Learn an easy 10-15 minute home program that once practiced, may only need to redo once a week as a tune-up 6 day course teaching therapists how to address specific patterns of holding or lack of tone for the face, neck and head with their clients. The content for this class includes the Aston® techniques of: the spiraling massage work, lymphatic drainage, isometric and loosening for the muscle patterns. the result of this work increases a more neutral expression and function. The result lessens the history of certain tension patterns that seem to take hold in one's facial expression thus providing more options for expression.
aston-patterning®
certification program
This is an in depth course that spans 2 1/2 years and give you a well rounded understanding of Aston Kinetics. This Aston-Patterning® Practitioner Certification program is a certification for health professionals that includes advanced levels of instruction in:
The Aston® Paradigm
Neuro-Kinetics (movement education)
Aston Fascial Integration - Spiraling Massage
Myo-Kinetics (a specialized form of myo-fascial release)
Ergonomics
Fitness Forms
Exercise Application for Recovery
After completing this program, the Aston-Patterning® Practitioner will be able to address a wide range of specialized interests (working with athletes, musicians, seniors, coaching for people with physical limitations) by using their Aston-Patterning® assessment, bodywork, movement and fitness skills.
For more information on the upcoming certification, please follow this link to learn more and apply for the certification. Applicants must have licensing in massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy or similar that fulfill your state and local requirements to practice. You must complete APA 101, AM 201 and AFI 301 (+ AM202 and AFI 302) before the start of the certification program.
This is only open to Certified Practitioners. These classes will advance the skill sets that you learned over the course of the Aston-Patterning® Certification training. Advanced classes are only offered 1 time per year, so keep in touch and look for our newsletter announcing the upcoming class.