Movement Projects Inc. (M.P.I.), a non profit educational organization, was founded in 1983 for the purpose of developing and conducting movement education programs. Movement education has been defined as a philosophy and a method for assisting people in gradually reducing the effects of accumulated stresses, including adaptations to injury, emotional attitudes and long term holding patterns, on their ability to function physically, mentally and emotionally.

According to Judith Aston, president of M.P.I. and originator of Aston-Patterning, the body you are wearing today may be more a reflection of who you were rather than who you are and who you can be. Aston-Patterning offers an educational process designed to assist the emerging body of the future. By coaching people to recognize physical holding patterns that limit choices and impose restrictions, Aston-Patterning allows clients to realize and use more of their potential self. Through the analysis of current structure and function, a person can be provided with a program that will teach him/her to problem solve and use his/her body effectively in any given situation.

M.P.I. is currently planning a fitness and movement education program for seniors, based on Aston-Patterning principles. Over eight weeks, two times a week, participants will be instructed in a series of movements designed to improve musculoskeletal strength and flexibility, improve circulation and decrease compression of tissues, and improve posture alignment. In addition, principles of safe body mechanics and ergonomics for functional activities such as walking, negotiating stairs, reaching, bending, lifting and transferring (i.e. moving to and from a bed or chair) will be addressed.