Benefits of the Alexander Technique?

Imagine a very complicated piece of technology - a computerised robot or high end sports car. If used roughly, it will break or not function properly. Best to read the instructions. If it does break, patching it up may work for a bit but not looking at how the whole system works will cause increasing problems.

This is how we could treat our bodies. Things work, but habits mean we don’t function freely and we get faults in the system. We sit for hours, often at the computer, without any thought to our bodies. We pick up babies and shopping , clean our teeth, often keeping the legs straight and curving the back. So we may get back pain or poor posture. Shoulder pain and niggles in the neck. Tiring quickly during exercise. Shallow breathing. A voice that isn’t strong and confident when giving presentations or a reading at a wedding.

Time for a reboot of the system. This is the Alexander Technique. A way to look at our whole system, mind and body, and how things can work better. A lot better. How nice to have more ease and less tension. Ability to manage and lessen pain. To look great with better posture without that tiring old-school way of "sitting up straight". More confidence and sense of self.

This Guardian newspaper article, written by one of my pupils, describes his experience of Alexander Technique lessons.

It makes a lot more sense when experienced. Come along for an introductory lesson and see what it is all about.

© Tanya Shoop 2010