Frequently Asked Questions
About the Alexander Technique
A Method of Re-education
The Alexander Technique is your user manual for your body and your mind.
It helps you to recognise your habits, and find ways to move efficiently and freely.
With Alexander Technique you can then apply this new understanding and skill to your everyday activities, bringing more awareness and gracefulness into your life
Is the Alexander Technique a form of exercise?
No. Learning the Alexander technique does not involve doing exercise. However, the Alexander technique can involve practising lying down in the semi-supine position or looking at how you might reduce unnecessary tension while carrying out a daily activity or a sport. Many students report that they feel a sense of freedom, and others report they feel less pain and less tension.
How much do lessons cost?
One-to-one lessons cost £60 for 40 minutes.
I also offer introductory group classes and weekend workshops.
Bespoke classes for businesses, sports clubs and private individuals can also be arranged. For more information please contact me.
Is AlexanderTechnique like yoga or Pilates?
Although the Alexander Technique is sometimes discussed alongside both yoga and Pilates, they are not the same.
The Alexander Technique is primarily a technique for improving awareness of how we use our bodies in any activity. You can apply the principles of the Alexander Technique to activities like Pilates, music, yoga, running or swimming. The Alexander Technique is taught at a number of music colleges as musicians often report that better use of their bodies improves their performances.
How many lessons will I need?
This really does depend on your needs and interest, but a basic course of around 20 lessons is recommended.
Some people continue to take lessons for many years at fairly regular intervals because they enjoy the Alexander Technique and continue to improve.
Can the Alexander Technique help with neck pain?
A large, well-designed, randomised, controlled trial for people with chronic neck pain (of a median duration of 6 years) published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in November 2015 here (pdf of full text here) found that people who had an average of 14 Alexander Technique lessons had a 31% reduction in pain and associated disability compared with the group who received usual GP-led care alone. These benefits were sustained over the following 7 months during which participants were followed.
Are there any side effects?
The Alexander Technique helps you to move and use your body more gracefully. Learning to change the way you think about and use yourself can sometimes highlight old patterns as you go through the process of letting go of tension.
People sometimes feel emotions well up as they let go of muscular tension. On the whole, the effects of learning the Alexander Technique are very positive - people often report feeling lighter, calmer, more comfortable in their own skin, and better coordinated.
Does the Alexander Technique involve massage?
Is the Alexander Technique used for relaxation?
Many students report feeling a sense of wellbeing and calm. Other students report that they feel a sense of stillness and gracefulness which is very different to relaxing or slumping in a sofa.
Do you offer walking or running courses?
Yes. I offer running and walking courses in Tatton Park just a short walk from the Soul Reformer Studio.
Please email me for more information or see my social media for more details.
Can the Alexander Technique help reduce back pain?
A major study published in the British Medical Journal has concluded that lessons in the Alexander Technique lead to a dramatic reduction in both pain and disability. There is more than a century of compelling anecdotal evidence about the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique for back pain, as well as a number of smaller studies showing remarkable results.
Canclation Notice
Please note that cancellations for in-person sessions made with less than 24 hours' notice will be subject to the full session fee. We appreciate your understanding in helping us manage our schedule.
