My Approach to
Movement Training
Movement Training
You've probably heard it all:
"Just exercise more." "Drink more water." "Try harder."
What if staying comfortable doesn't requre perfect routines or endless willpower?
I've spent over 20 years developing practical strategies that work WITH your unique body and brain, not against them. My training background isn't just about collecting certifications — it's about finding real solutions that work — even on your tired days, when executive function is low, when sensory overwhelm is high.
"Just exercise more." "Drink more water." "Try harder."
What if staying comfortable doesn't requre perfect routines or endless willpower?
I've spent over 20 years developing practical strategies that work WITH your unique body and brain, not against them. My training background isn't just about collecting certifications — it's about finding real solutions that work — even on your tired days, when executive function is low, when sensory overwhelm is high.
➤ The Catalyst: My Pain Chapter
I never planned to become a movement specialist. In 1991, I was a literature major with a passion for music, dance, and travel. Then a bus accident changed everything.
For the next ten years, I lived with constant low back and neck pain - an ache in the low back on the left side and a stabbing sensation under the right shoulder blade that reached into my neck. I felt worse in the morning, so I started every day in pain. In my 20s, many of my days felt like an endurance event. Despite seeing many health professionals, I still hurt all the time.
For the next ten years, I lived with constant low back and neck pain - an ache in the low back on the left side and a stabbing sensation under the right shoulder blade that reached into my neck. I felt worse in the morning, so I started every day in pain. In my 20s, many of my days felt like an endurance event. Despite seeing many health professionals, I still hurt all the time.
I set an intention that if I had to go through this long and painful experience, I wanted to map the territory and come out of it able to help others. Learning how to work with and move my body differently brought me out of pain completely. This led me to train in multiple approaches to help unwind quirky tension patterns and bring greater balance and function to life.
Today, I can go for walks, use my computer for long stretches, and I'm much more functional than I used to be. More importantly, I can help others solve tricky puzzles that make their lives unpleasant and difficult.
Today, I can go for walks, use my computer for long stretches, and I'm much more functional than I used to be. More importantly, I can help others solve tricky puzzles that make their lives unpleasant and difficult.
My Approaches & Skillset
➤ The Power of Yoga: Gateway to Wellbeing
- Hatha Yoga
- Yoga for Arthritis
- Yoga Sutras
➤ Movement Intelligence: The Brain-Body Connection
- The Feldenkrais Method™️
- Bones for Life™️
- Sounder Sleep
- CranioSacral Therapy
➤ Natural Alignment: Traditional Wisdom
- The Balance Center
- Aplomb
➤ Claiming Freedom: Movement in Space
- Spacial Dynamics™️
➤ Core Stability & Balance: Building Your Foundation
- Pelvic Rotator Cuff Institute
- The McGill Method
➤ Energy Systems: Pathways to Vitality
- Energy Medicine
- Allergy Antidotes
- BioGeometry
➤ Muscle Harmony: Freedom from Tension
- Resistance Flexibility & Strength Training
- Integrative Positional Therapy
- Core Awareness
- Trauma Releasing Exercises
- Anatomy Trains
➤ Neural Diversity: Movement for All Minds
- Community Support Services
- Solo School Neurodivergence Certificate
the Long title for the service
I'm Your Guide: Paula
I'm Paula James, and my journey to becoming a movement specialist started with my own decade of chronic pain.
Learn moreToday, while I navigate ADHD, autoimmune challenges, and fluctuating energy levels, I remain pain-free—not through perfect routines or constant exercise, but through practical strategies that work with real life.
My mission is to help you find that same freedom. No lectures about drinking more water or pushing harder. My approach includes real solutions that work for your unique body and brain.
Want to have a conversation about a good next step for you?
MOBILE VERSION
My Approach to Movement Training
You've probably heard it all: "Just exercise more." "Drink more water." "Try harder."
What if staying comfortable doesn't requre perfect routines or endless willpower?
I've spent over 20 years developing practical strategies that work WITH your unique body and brain, not against them. My training background isn't just about collecting certifications — it's about finding real solutions that work — even on your tired days, when executive function is low, when sensory overwhelm is high.
What if staying comfortable doesn't requre perfect routines or endless willpower?
I've spent over 20 years developing practical strategies that work WITH your unique body and brain, not against them. My training background isn't just about collecting certifications — it's about finding real solutions that work — even on your tired days, when executive function is low, when sensory overwhelm is high.
➤ The Catalyst: My Pain Chapter
I never planned to become a movement specialist. In 1991, I was a literature major with a passion for music, dance, and travel. Then a bus accident changed everything.
For the next ten years, I lived with constant low back and neck pain - an ache in the low back on the left side and a stabbing sensation under the right shoulder blade that reached into my neck. I felt worse in the morning, so I started every day in pain. In my 20s, many of my days felt like an endurance event. Despite seeing many health professionals, I still hurt all the time.
I set an intention that if I had to go through this long and painful experience, I wanted to map the territory and come out of it able to help others. Learning how to work with and move my body differently brought me out of pain completely. This led me to train in multiple approaches to help unwind quirky tension patterns and bring greater balance and function to life.
Today, I can go for walks, use my computer for long stretches, and I'm much more functional than I used to be. More importantly, I can help others solve tricky puzzles that make their lives unpleasant and difficult.
For the next ten years, I lived with constant low back and neck pain - an ache in the low back on the left side and a stabbing sensation under the right shoulder blade that reached into my neck. I felt worse in the morning, so I started every day in pain. In my 20s, many of my days felt like an endurance event. Despite seeing many health professionals, I still hurt all the time.
I set an intention that if I had to go through this long and painful experience, I wanted to map the territory and come out of it able to help others. Learning how to work with and move my body differently brought me out of pain completely. This led me to train in multiple approaches to help unwind quirky tension patterns and bring greater balance and function to life.
Today, I can go for walks, use my computer for long stretches, and I'm much more functional than I used to be. More importantly, I can help others solve tricky puzzles that make their lives unpleasant and difficult.
My Approaches & Skillset
➤ The Power of Yoga: Gateway to Wellbeing
- Hatha Yoga
- Yoga for Arthritis
- Yoga Sutras
➤ Movement Intelligence: The Brain-Body Connection
- The Feldenkrais Method™️
- Bones for Life™️
- Sounder Sleep
- CranioSacral Therapy
➤ Natural Alignment: Traditional Wisdom
- The Balance Center
- Aplomb
➤ Claiming Freedom: Movement in Space
- Spacial Dynamics™️
➤ Core Stability & Balance: Building Your Foundation
- Pelvic Rotator Cuff Institute
- The McGill Method
➤ Energy Systems: Pathways to Vitality
- Energy Medicine
- Allergy Antidotes
- BioGeometry
➤ Muscle Harmony: Freedom from Tension
- Resistance Flexibility & Strength Training
- Integrative Positional Therapy
- Core Awareness
- Trauma Releasing Exercises
- Anatomy Trains
➤ Neural Diversity: Movement for All Minds
- Community Support Services
- Solo School Neurodivergence Certificate
the Long title for the service
I'm Your Guide: Paula
I'm Paula James, and my journey to becoming a movement specialist started with my own decade of chronic pain.
Learn moreToday, while I navigate ADHD, autoimmune challenges, and fluctuating energy levels, I remain pain-free—not through perfect routines or constant exercise, but through practical strategies that work with real life.
My mission is to help you find that same freedom. No lectures about drinking more water or pushing harder. My approach includes real solutions that work for your unique body and brain.
Want to have a conversation about a good next step for you?
What People Are Saying
Movement Classes
➤ Gently release tension
➤ Improve posture
➤ Improve posture
➤ Integrate healthy movement into daily life
Tired of
fitness classes
that feel like
they're designed
for someone
else's body?
fitness classes
that feel like
they're designed
for someone
else's body?
Hey there, fellow movement seekers!
Trust me, I've been there. As a neurodivergent woman who has dealt with chronic pain and fatigue, I know how frustrating it can be to feel left out or misunderstood in traditional exercise settings.
That's why I'm beyond excited to share these movement classes with you.
These aren't your typical yoga or fitness classes – they're a breath of fresh air for those of us who need a more tailored, understanding approach to movement.
Trust me, I've been there. As a neurodivergent woman who has dealt with chronic pain and fatigue, I know how frustrating it can be to feel left out or misunderstood in traditional exercise settings.
That's why I'm beyond excited to share these movement classes with you.
These aren't your typical yoga or fitness classes – they're a breath of fresh air for those of us who need a more tailored, understanding approach to movement.
What Makes These Classes Different?
➤ Neurodivergent-friendly
Finally, a class that gets you!
➤ Hypermobility-aware
No more worry about
overdoing it
overdoing it
➤ Chronic pain considered
Because some days are
harder than others
harder than others
➤ Adaptable to your needs
Everybody is welcome —
come as you are
come as you are
Choose Your Path:
➤ In Person
➤ Online
➤ Online
In Person
Price $500
For those of you lucky enough to be near Gaithersburg, MD, these in person classes are like a warm hug for your body and mind.
Learn moreWear comfortable clothese that allow you to move easily. Bring your own yoga mat.
Online
Price $500
Can't make it in person? No worries! Paula's online classes bring the magic right to your living room. Join us from the comfort of your home.
Learn moreClasses meet via Zoom. Your choice whether to be on or off camera.
Chair Yoga
❋ Perfect for participants with limited mobility
❋ Most activities done seated
❋ Emphasizes improvements for practical, daily activities
➤ IN PERSON
Mondays 12noon-1pm
Oct 28 - Dec 16
(skip Nov 11)
Oct 28 - Dec 16
(skip Nov 11)
➤ ONLINE
Tuesdays 12noon-1pm ET
Yoga Challenge
for Real Bodies
for Real Bodies
❋ A mix of strength, flexibility, and balance
❋ Safe for hypermobile individuals
❋ Modifications and variations available
➤ IN PERSON
Mondays 9:30-10:45am
Oct 28 - Dec 16
(skip Nov 11)
Oct 28 - Dec 16
(skip Nov 11)
➤ ONLINE
Tuesdays 10:00-11:15am ET
Thursdays 6:00-7:15pm ET
Thursdays 6:00-7:15pm ET
Gentle Yoga
for Back Pain
for Back Pain
❋ Focus on relieving back, neck, and shoulder tension
❋ Mostly floor-based exercises (can also be done on a bed)
❋ Incorporates techniques to relax the body and calm the mind
➤ ONLINE
Thursdays 7:30-8:30pm ET
Connect & Move
❋ Gentle activities done sitting in chairs and standing
❋ Enhancing body awareness, coordination, and balance
❋ Providing a supportive space for individuals to flourish
❋ Emphasizing upright posture and social connections
❋ Promoting a sense of well-being and community
❋ Emphasizing upright posture and social connections
❋ Promoting a sense of well-being and community
➤ IN PERSON
Mondays 11am-12noon
Wednesdays 11am-12noon
Fridays 11am-12noon
Sept 4 - Dec 20
Currently mid-session
New classes begin in January
Serving neurodivergent adults such as those with Down syndrome and autism
Wednesdays 11am-12noon
Fridays 11am-12noon
Sept 4 - Dec 20
Currently mid-session
New classes begin in January
Serving neurodivergent adults such as those with Down syndrome and autism
Online classes meet most weeks without being divided into semesters.
Scroll down for a calendar to see start times in your time zone and skip dates for holidays.
Scroll down for a calendar to see start times in your time zone and skip dates for holidays.
Ready to move with us online?
Drop In: 1 Class$20
Price $47
✅ Try out a single class without committing to a whole series
Learn more✅ No pressure — join when you are available and feel up to attending
✅ It's fine to decide at the last minute — access link available immediately with payment
10-Class Pass$150
Price $47
✅ Join us when you are available. Take time off without pressure or penalty
✅ Mix and match different classes according to your schedule, how you feel, what interests you
Movement that
works for you,
when it works for you.
works for you,
when it works for you.
By signing up, you'll also get
occasional newsletters with
valuable tips and updates to
support your wellness journey.
You can unsubscribe anytime.
No spam, ever.
occasional newsletters with
valuable tips and updates to
support your wellness journey.
You can unsubscribe anytime.
No spam, ever.
.
the Long title for the service
All classes include:
✅ Personal attention and modifications
✅ Q&A opportunities
✅ A supportive community of like-minded individuals
What People
Are Saying
Are Saying
Nicole
Entrepreneur with ADHD
"I don't have to live in pain any more.
Learn morePaula's tips are one of my success habits.
I can focus on my business and enjoy my vacations."
Brian
Coach, Autistic with EDS
"I can sit upright for much longer. My feet don't hurt like they used to.
Learn morePaula has taught me gentle techniques that help when my meds don't."
Dan
Retiree
"After working with Paula, I know what works for me. I can get myself out of pain.
Learn moreI can be active and have freedom of movement without having to take medication."
Natalya
DJ and Hair Practitioner
"My back feels fine and I don't have any pain in my legs. I feel so much better than I used to.
Learn moreWorking with Paula is like a pension plan for my body."
Meet Your Guide:
Paula James
Paula isn't just another movement instructor.
Learn moreWith over 20 years of experience and her own journey through chronic pain and neurodivergence, Paula gets it.
She's made it her mission to create a space where every body is welcome, understood, and supported.
the Long title for the service
Not sure which class is right for you?
We get it - trying a new class can feel overwhelming, especially when you have unique needs or concerns.
Learn moreThat's why Paula offers a free Friendly Chat.
During this call, you can:
✅ Discuss your specific needs and challenges
✅ Learn more about different class options
✅ Get personalized recommendations on good options for you
✅ Ask any questions you might have about classes or Paula's teaching style
Remember, there's no pressure.
This call is all about making sure you feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
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