What happens in Alexander lessons?
In lessons we teach people to ‘unlearn’ bad habits such as slouching and twisting and to use their bodies better. We use simple activities such as sitting, standing, walking and lying down which could seem a little absurd but if you think about it, just in the activity of standing up from a chair you use the whole co-ordination of head, neck and back and you are bending at the ankles, knees and hips. If we can improve on this co-ordination we can apply it to most other aspects of life, from driving a car, playing sports, musical instruments, our work to yoga and other such activities.
You need to make very little physical effort in lessons so being old, pregnant or unfit doesn’t matter. Over time classes will make you more aware of your posture, so you’ll catch yourself when your shoulders are hunched up to your ears and learn how to lengthen out of your back instead. The teacher places their hands on you to guide and re-educate your musculature.
There is nothing physically aggressive about the work . On the contrary, it is a process of allowing the pupil to release tension and interfering habits, at a pace that suits the individual. Comfortable clothes that you are happy to lie down in are advised. You will never be asked to remove your clothing.