Alexander Technique Works News
Working From Home: Heaven or Hell?
We’re in lockdown 3, which means those who can, have to work from home. Before the pandemic, some of us would dream of the idea of WFH. No commuting, less interruptions, more time with the family. However, the reality can be much less enjoyable than the idea. ...
Phones & Bones
Mobile phones.... They've become a big part of our everyday lives. They are so useful, some of us panic if we can't put our hand on them or go out without them! They're an amazing bit of kit, but not even a a millionth as amazing as our bodies, which have been so...
Poor posture? It’s not your fault!
Many people with poor posture will have been told, ‘sit up straight’, or ‘stop slouching’. Anyone who’s ever tried to put this into practice, will know that it’s pretty impossible to keep it up. The moment you stop thinking about it, back you go into a slump. Even...
How to avoid back pain whilst gardening
The sun is shining, the grass (and the weeds) are growing and many of us have more time than ever to spend in the garden. This is when we all throw ourselves headlong into sorting out the garden. Before you do, consider the humble spine. Gardening is a workout, which...
Musicians and the Alexander Technique
Like many locals, I love Whit Friday and watching the brass bands. I admire the players greatly, particularly those who play large instruments, but can't help noticing the potential strain that this can put on the body and breathing mechanism. For example, if our...
Kendo & the Alexander Technique
One of my pupils has a very interesting hobby. He practises the Japanese martial art known as Kendo. He was keen to learn how he could apply the Alexander Technique to his Kendo practice. In a recent lesson, he brought along his Kendo gear. I found it absolutely...
‘What do you do for a living?’
'So what do you do for a living?' It's the question which often comes up when we meet new people. 'I'm an Alexander Technique teacher'. This reply is often met with, 'what's that?' Or, 'Is it something to do with posture?' I then valiantly attempt to explain what it...
Why not take up rather than give up for a new year’s resolution?
When we make New Year’s resolutions we often give up or cut down on something. How many of us give up chocolate in January, only to dip into the choccies by the end of the first week? Resolutions we make are frequently health related. Who doesn’t want to look and feel...
Alexander hits the Antiques Roadshow
The Alexander Technique turns up in the most unexpected places. In the attached clip, the auctioneer discusses an original portrait of the great man himself: F.M. Alexander. They talk enthusiastically about the Alexander Technique, but have missed the mark somewhat....
Walking and the Alexander Technique
Who'd have thought you could learn to walk using the Alexander Technique! Of course, I'm not teaching people how to walk, we've been managing that since we were toddlers. However, you can apply the Alexander Technique to your walking to improve the way you move. We...
Cycling and the Alexander Technique
A young man who comes to me for Alexander lessons who is also a keen cyclist (keen enough to cycle back to the UK from Korea!) asked how he could apply the Alexander Technique to cycling. We worked particularly on how to come forward from the hip joints rather than...
Visit to MIND
I visited MIND, the mental health charity, with a colleague, to give a workshop for staff and counsellors there. The feedback was very positive and there was lots of interaction with many of the staff having an Alexander Technique 'turn'. They work very hard with...