The Alexander technique

The Alexander technique won’t help you lose weight but it will give you better posture, increased flexibility and reduce your aches and pains.
cardio
flexibility
strength
weight loss
injury potential
schedule flexibility
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The workout
The Alexander technique is a one-to-one learning process where you will be taught how to change postural habits that may be causing you pain. By gently touching, altering and advising you about how you hold your body, a teacher can show you how to get rid of built-up tension from your head to your toes. Practitioners often focus on the head and neck because it’s believed that this is where most problems with pain and poor posture begin.

Upside
Although the Alexander technique will not help you lose weight, the fact that your posture improves means that you will walk, stand and sit taller. You’ll also feel better, both physically and emotionally. As well as relieving stress and tension, the Alexander technique can help get rid of headaches, reduce high blood pressure and help you feel more focused and at ease with yourself.

Downside
It’s expensive. A 30 or 40 minute session costs between £25 and £30 and you really need to go at least once a week. You can consider it an investment, however, because once you’ve learned the basics (such as sitting, standing, lying and doing everyday activities such as cleaning your teeth and chopping vegetables with great posture) you build it into your everyday life and don’t need to keep seeing a teacher.

The pros say

  • We often blame our aches and pains on the activities we do (look at tennis elbow) when actually it’s less likely to be the activity than the way we do that activity that causes pain and injury.
  • Teachers claim the Alexander technique has huge emotional benefits that can help you see your life in a whole new light. While this is hard to prove, it could be that once your body is working to its full potential again you not only look and feel better but have more energy to focus on deeper personal issues.
  • The Alexander technique re-educates the body to do what it once did instinctively.

Requirements
Gear: loose comfortable clothing.
Instruction/facilities: You’ll need a qualified instructor.
Time 30 to 40 minutes.