Hierarchy of Movement

Hierarchy of Movement ("HōM") is a healing modality created by Norman Allard. It incorporates lessons learned from Allard's studies of Qi Gong, meditation, sports medicine, yoga, chiropractic medicine, Pilates, Feldenkrais, breath work, olympic weight training, and more.

The purpose of HōM is to increase awareness of body and mind, reduce physical and emotional pain, and cultivate increased freedom of movement.

After completing the initial onboarding process, students of HōM learn the modality through virtual group movement classes. Students can choose to take classes "live" or to take the recording at a time which works for them.

Students can practice the HōM modality on its own or as a supplement to their other sport, movement, or healing practices. Though if you're adding new practices to your life experience, it's best to add one type of practice at a time. That way you may have an easier time assessing the value of the new practice.

To learn more about Norman Allard, visit the About Us page.

All new students of the HōM modality begin with the Foundations Program. The Foundations Program is a mandatory prerequisite for all HōM courses. It is a self-paced, virtual course through which you, as a new HōM student, learn the basics and the philosophy of the HōM modality to ensure you can successfully complete and benefit from other courses in the HōM catalog.

During your Foundations Program, you have at least two meetings with your Movement Coaches, Norman or Debra, to discuss your progress. Meetings generally take place virtually to accommodate students worldwide. In-person 1:1 meetings are available to those who live in or can travel to Boulder, CO USA.

Students typically complete the program over a span of no less than four and no more than eight weeks, and dedicate 2-4 hours per week to their studies.

Ready to get started with Foundations? Head to our New Student Onboarding page to begin!

You! You're invited to learn and practice the HōM modality as we keep learning too.

Norman's work supports two groups in particular. First, he supports athletes and movement artists seeking to improve their performance.

Second, Allard's work supports those with physical pain or discomfort, limited range of motion, or imbalances such as scoliosis, anxiety, and/or depression.

In cases of limitations that concern you, speak to your health care practitioner per our Terms of Use. You are welcome to also text Norman and the two of you can have a chat about a possible next step in your learning. The best way to get on Norman's schedule is to text him with a short request.

As long as you're 18 or over, you're good to go! And if you're 13-17 and have a guardian signing you up and supervising, that works too (see Terms of Use).

Practitioners of any age can benefit from the HōM modality. In fact, one student recently told us their only complaint is that they didn't know Norman Allard sooner! The HōM modality allows your mind and body to thrive in your everyday activities -- including sports and exercise -- and supports your body and mind through the aging process. The earlier you start, the more you'll see in terms of physical and mental connection, coordination, and control.

Yes! Waiting until symptoms appear to start your HōM practice is like waiting until you need a root canal to go to the dentist! Just as it's easier, less painful, and less time consuming to preventatively care for your teeth, it's easier, less painful, and less time consuming to practice preventative care for your body.

Fixing acute difficulties when you're hurting can certainly be addressed with Norman Allard. That work gets you to the beginning of what we offer you. Norman's patients become his students for this very reason. You don't need to start with a strong difficulty, though. Start early to save yourself pain in the long-run.

Beware the pitfalls of waiting until there's something wrong.

For most classes we recommend you have a sticky yoga mat, a sturdy chair, and two 4" yoga blocks. Some classes do require special equipment.

Want to know what Norman recommends? Please visit our Equipment Page to learn more.

Have you ever played a musical instrument? Or learned a special dance or a sport? Or maybe you learned to type with all your fingers? If so, you know the more you practice, the more familiar the movements become, and the better you get. The same is true for learning the HōM modality.

While the movement and awareness practices taught in HōM may seem simple, repeated, intentional practice of HōM creates profound, long-lasting change throughout the mind and body.

It's best to practice no fewer than two times per week on an ongoing basis. The more you practice, the more benefits you'll will experience.

Students may practice on their own utilizing the sequences learned in the Foundations Program, or may practice alongside Norman Allard through his live, online classes, or enjoy the pre-recorded classes in the HōM library.

The HōM modality is a slow process. You will likely experience it as a subtle process.

Everyone's experience is individual to them. We've heard of dramatic results within a few days. For others, the dramatic changes happened after 3-7 years.

We're here to help you. Attend the coaching calls if you're in the Foundations Program and/or text us with questions.