What is the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is a practical tool for change, which works on numerous complex and inter-related levels.

In practical terms, it works by bringing awareness into how we do what we do. Practising the Alexander Technique helps us to let go of habits that are holding us back in terms of our freedom of movement and expression , and may well be causing us unnecessary pain and discomfort.

 “You translate everything, whether physical, mental or spiritual, into muscular tension.”

FM Alexander

To translate this into actual outcomes, if we have poor postural habits (which we call habits of misuse) we usually end up with some sort of pain, strain or performance anxiety.  Alexander Technique lessons help you to observe and stop those habits so that your coordination and equilibrium (use) improve.

 “Use affects function.” 

FM Alexander

“It gives us all the things we have been looking for in a system of physical education: relief from strain due to maladjustment, and consequent improvement in physical and mental health, increased consciousness of the physical means employed to gain the ends proposed by the will and, along with this, a general heightening of consciousness on all levels... We cannot ask more from any system of physical education; nor, if we seriously desire to alter human beings in a desirable direction, can we ask any less.”

Aldous Huxley,
Author

Who is it for?

We believe absolutely anyone can benefit, and the vast majority of people who try it, do.

We offer it to anyone who wants to improve their posture; reduce back, neck and shoulder pain; reduce stress levels; improve sporting technique or public speaking ability. It can also help with both physical and mental parenting skills, aid comfort and safe movement in pregnancy and prepare for childbirth.

 In short, we would recommend Alexander Technique to anyone who wants to learn how to help themselves and feel less stressed and more comfortable in their daily life, whether they are based at home, in the office or on the playing field or sports track.

“The Alexander Technique has shown me that I can improve the quality of every day movement and reduce the build-up of tension.”

Office worker, Bristol