What Happens During an Alexander Technique Lesson?
I’m frequently asked what a typical Alexander Technique lesson involves. While there are common elements present in every Alexander Technique lesson I teach, each lesson will be as individual as my students are. Are we talking about a first lesson or after a year of lessons or someone who has continued to take lessons over time? How old are they? Do they have a disability, injuries, Parkinson’s, or some other physical limitation? What other activities does the individual do? Do they sit at a desk all day or are they an avid runner? Regardless of the individual, the principles of the Alexander Technique are the core of what I teach. In every case, my goal is for them to learn how to move their bodies and re-educate their vision so that they can move their bodies easily, according to the way our bodies are designed to move. Over time, this means less pain, more energy, a slowing of degenerative conditions, and a better quality of life.
I learned how to move in a room: not a gym or a large exercise room but usually a room that was about 8” by 10” lying on a table or sitting on a stool or later lying on the floor. I didn’t not learn how to move in a Yoga class, which I took many classes over a long period of time, or a Tai Chi class or an aerobics class or by running or cycling. I did not learn how to move from a swimming coach, which was my sport as a child. I did not learn how to move from my few gym teachers that I had in my Catholic schools. I did not learn to move from my fencing teacher, gymnastic teacher, or archery teacher at my junior college. I never learned how to move from my ski instructors or golf instructors.