What Happens in an Alexander Lesson?

 

Every individual who comes for Alexander Technique Lessons is unique, and brings a unique set of postural problems, thinking habits, and personal quirks with them. These can only be addressed on an individual basis, so every pupil's lesson will be significantly different from another person's lesson.

The purpose of Alexander Technique Lessons is primarily to un-learn bad habits, and to learn what Alexander termed 'good use' of the self, by integrating thinking and movement, and this is achieved through verbal instructions and hands on guidance through a series of movements and activities.

It follows that groups or classes in the Alexander Technique can only ever be a basic introduction to the principles of the technique

A course of lessons begins with an introductory lesson, and an assessment of your habits of use - how you sit, stand, and walk, and how you are interfering with your natural movement and functioning. You may also be asked for a brief outline of your medical history and a few other details, just to give us a bit of background information, and just so that we know if there is anything we need to look out for such as dizzy spells, or a painful knee.

We begin by working with simple movements and positions - such as sitting, walking, or bending the knees,  you learn how your coordination works - how you create tension and how you can prevent or release it.

This awareness enables you to change long-standing habits and function more efficiently. In time and with practice you will be able to use your new understanding and skill in more complex and demanding activities and situations in your daily life. You can bring awareness and poise to anything that you do. The effects of these simple yet profound changes to our functioning can be surprising.

When you come to an Alexander Technique lesson you will need to wear loose comfortable clothing, and ladies should wear trousers rather than skirts or dresses.