Questions Commonly asked about the Alexander Technique:  

Q: Who can benefit from the Alexander Technique?

A: Everyone can benefit from regular Alexander lessons but in order to start one needs some motivation, here are some of the reasons people give for taking lessons; 

Pain:
Many students come to the technique because they are in physical pain.  Some people may come for Alexander lessons with physical ailments, e.g. neuromuscular or joint problems, bad backs, breathing difficulties or tension problems. With the Alexander Technique, one can learn how to strip away the habits and tensions that might be the source behind the symptoms. 

Performance and Practice:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Athletes, musicians, actors, dancers or other performing artists, tend to come for lessons in search of greater expressive freedom and poise in their chosen field. It can be an invaluable tool for reducing performance anxiety, enhancing stage presence, improving tone, technique and overall coordination. 

Personal Growth:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

For some individuals the Alexander Technique becomes a fundamental practice for living; a personal resource for choosing clarity of consciousness and greater coherence of energy.

Q: Does one need to wear any kind of special clothing to a lesson?

A: Students should do their best to come wearing comfortable, non-restrictive clothing to their lessons.  Skirts and sleeveless shirts are not recommended.

The following excerpt was taken from Body Learning written by Michael Gelb;

Q: Is the Alexander Technique posture training?

A: No. The concept of ‘posture training’ is fundamentally flawed because it suggests a division of mind and body and implies stasis.  Moreover, when most people think of ‘improving their posture’ they stiffen up for a few moments before collapsing again.  Our ‘postures’ are always a reflection of how we use ourselves.  The Alexander technique offers training in the use of the self.  Alexander used the word itself, because it was the best English word to suggest the idea of the whole person.  Alexander lessons are not focused on correcting your posture, rather they invite you to apply a new way of thinking that can lead you to the discovery of your full stature. (pg. 152)

Q: How does the Alexander Technique affect the emotions?                 

A: The Alexander work can have a wide range of effects on the emotions.  Most commonly, people report feeling uplifted, buoyant and more confident as a result of lessons.  Improved physical balance in equilibrium, usually translates into improved emotional balance and equanimity.  Occasionally, pupils experience profound emotional release during a lesson.  Most of the Alexander teachers I know create a safe and supportive environment for learning.  Alexander pupils receive a level of noninvasive attention support, which is often unique in their experience.  This sense of safety and support can allow pupils to feel secure enough to experience emotions that they may be holding beneath the surface. Moreover, as habitual tensions are released during a lesson, pupils will sometimes experience corresponding emotional release.  The Alexander work does not aim directly to facilitate emotional or lease, but when it does occur, the principles of the technique remained valid and useful. (pg. 155)

Q: Have a question that was not answered here?

A: If you have any specific questions or concerns about the technique please contact Kristin by filling out the information on the contact page. 

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