The Alexander Technique exercises are designed to reduce tension and stress. The word ‘exercise’ often conjures up images of cardio and weight lifting. However, Alexander Technique exercises are not designed to increase endurance and strength – they are designed to help you feel more at ease and restore a natural balance.
The exercises used are simple on the surface, but very effective. With the guidance of an experienced teacher, you will be shocked by how much of an influence they can have on your life. One of the most common ‘standing up’. During this exercise, you will learn how to let go. You won’t rush to stand up, as the mere thought of getting up can cause tension. Instead, you will let go of any muscle tension in your neck, and you will slowly get up in the manner described to you by your teacher. Your teacher will use language and gentle hand guidance throughout to help you carry out these exercises. The aim of the standing up exercise is to stand up without arching your lower back or craning your neck. Other exercises include sitting down, ensuring you do not simply plop down into a chair, as well as constructively resting. Constructively resting involves laying on a hard surface – you can use a yoga mat or choose a carpeted floor for comfort. However, instead of using a pillow, you will rest your head on a few paperback books. During these rests, you need to let gravity take over, enabling your torso to widen and lengthen. You should have a constructive rest of 10 to 15 minutes each day.
As you can see, the Alexander Technique exercises are simple yet effective. If you would like to experience the benefits of the Alexander Technique, all you need to do is get in touch with me – Susanna Scouller of Alexander Principle. One 45-minute lesson with me, and I guarantee you will feel like a new person. For more information, head to http://www.alexanderprinciple.co.uk.