Alexander Technique Lessons
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique (AT) is a series of exploratory lesson experiences designed to build awareness so that a student can make choices. It's not therapy, though people have compared it to a combination of physical therapy and yoga. AT lessons involve movements that enable the teacher and student to discover habits that may not be working.
Thank you for your expertise, caring, warmth, and patience in teaching our little group about the Alexander Techniques. I am a real novice in this journey to improve body posture and strength, yet I am already experiencing the benefits.
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Linda L., Happy Backs Pilot Class
Lake City
If you want to practice on your own . . .
Active Rest (also known in the AT world as a "lie down" or "constructive rest" or "semi-supine" because of the position you see below).
It's rest for your muscles and activity for your brain as it directs length to the muscles.
From the Think Up - Alexander Technique App.
Other Active Rest Links
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Carolyn Nicholls
http://www.carolynnicholls.com
Scroll to the bottom of the page, just below the book photo and find the audio link.
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Leslie Edwards podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lesley-edwards-discover-the-alexander-technique/id1016301667
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Series of 6 guided Active Rest links from Philadelphia area AT teachers
https://alextechgreaterphila.com/guided-constructive-rest-talks-summit-2022/
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Imogen Ragone's 30-day Constructive Rest Challenge
https://imogenragone.com/30-days-of-constructive-rest-2/
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Check out the Think Up Alexander App on Google Play or App Store.
The goal is to build better patterns, then learn to stop and choose the better patterns in activity until they become new habits.
If you're coming for a lesson . . .
How long is a lesson?
45-50 minutes
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What's the cost?​
Course of 12 private lessons $40/lesson if scheduled at least weekly
Drop-in private lesson $50
Course of 8 Group lessons $70
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What should I wear to a lesson?​
Wear clothes you can comfortably move in, like loose pants or leggings
and a top with sleeves that come to the elbow.
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How many lessons should I take?
12 lessons will give you a really good start. Students who come with a specific
issue may want 20-30. Often students take a series of lessons, do some work on their own and then resume less frequent lessons.
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How often should I schedule lessons?
To begin, once a week is minimum; twice a week is better. After the first 12 lessons it works to have lessons every other week or once a month.
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I originally looked to Alexander Technique to help with pain and discomfort while playing flute, but it ended up helping in every other facet of my life too—especially as a student-athlete. I became more in tune and aware of my body and learned so many new ways to take care of myself and to be
more thoughtful with movement.
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Heather, flute and Ultimate Frisbee player
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
If you're curious . . . Why Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique helps you understand your reactions. It helps you stop and think, to be with yourself while you're doing an activity.
Digging into the Science
Lighten Up or Pull Up
This article explains how "thinking up" can positively change how the muscles work and thinking "heavy" can negatively change how muscles work. Though it's based on research about AT and Parkinson's Disease, the principles apply to everyday life for everyone.
https://www.alexandertechniquescience.com/general/study-summaries/lighten-up-parkinsons/
Science Catches Up
https://www.alexandertechniquescience.com/general/overview/science-catches-up/
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The Beginning of Understanding: A New Scientific Model of the
Alexander Technique
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