The Alexander Technique is ideally taught through a series of one-to-one sessions over a period of some months, more frequently at the beginning and then with less frequency as the principles and practice are assimilated.

Group classes can be helpful as an introduction or for more advanced pupils who are developing their capacity to apply the Technique to different activities, particularly interacting with others.

You will remain clothed throughout; tightly fitting clothes are not suitable, and women should wear trousers.

In a typical lesson the teacher may ask you to make a simple movement - to walk across the room or to sit and stand, for instance - while watching how you "use" yourself. Then, using his/her hands the teacher will bring about a subtle change in the way you are holding yourself and guide you into the same movement. This is usually experienced as a feeling of lightness, release of tension or expansion. You may be asked to lie down and the teacher will show you how to lie in such a way that you can allow your back to let go and spread out.

Observed from the outside, it may seem that little is happening. A trained eye may see some greater freedom of movement, increase in height or improved "posture", but the significant changes are the ones experienced internally: the sense of calm and well-being, the feeling of integration, the decrease of tension.

These sessions need to be repeated at frequent intervals at the beginning so that something is sustained in between them. In time, the focus will move towards other activities - including all our usual movements (bending, carrying things, using hands and arms at a desk etc.) and any specialist activity the pupil is interested in (Tai Chi, Yoga, Voice, Sport, Music etc.) It can soon be seen that the principles are ones which apply to all our activities.

However little or much you want to learn, it all starts with the first lesson or group class. Alexander work is essentially experiential. Until you try it you will not know whether it really interests you or what value to place on it.

Recommended Reading