Running with the Alexander Technique

In last nights Evening Standard there was an interesting article :
'The Best Ways to Jog Yourself Fit', the Alexander Technique came out very well and gives some good tips. Here is an extract:

THE RIGHT MOVES By Jackie Annesley

On the wrong side of 45 and having abandoned the gym long ago, I knew I had to get back into exercise. I'd tried running after one of the children was born but my knees protested. So I turned to the Alexander Technique for help.
Its core principle is to bring your body into balance. Noel says: “You need to run efficiently, and for that you must lengthen' in stature as you run.”
First he showed me how to free up my neck and allow my head to “balance” on top of my spine. Another rule is to relax the shoulders, keep the arms bent, hands flexible and to lead with the knees, not the feet.
This prevents muscles over-tightening which can lead to neck and lower back damage. And never tuck your bottom in. Instead, think of your back widening as you run.

Verdict? It works. There was no more knee ache because AT improved my posture. About 4lb seems to have fallen off me, fortuitously around my thighs. Some mornings I think I could run for ever. I've even fantasised about running the London Marathon. Perhaps one day.

Singing with Alexander Technique

Read Lesley Garrett's recent article in The Guardian ' The body needs to be full of energy' where she tells of the importance of standing correctly and how the Alexander Technique has helped:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/10/lesley-garrett-warm-up-singing

Improve your singing with the Alexander Technique

The Alexander technique can help release tension in the body, allowing the voice to become fuller and freer.
The Guardian and Observer had an article at the weekend in it's joint guide to Performing.
The article 'Your very first release...' highlights the way we use ourselves has an effect on our voices. It also gives some useful tips and observation exercises.
My client Mike can testify to this ( see blog 'Mike gets his voice back').
To read the full article go to:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/may/10/alexander-technique-singing

RSI - Alexander Technique can help

Tina is a florist and has been suffering from RSI for sometime. She has been coming to me for a course of 8 lessons and today was a real turning point. Her back pain has reduced and her RSI in both arms is almost non-existent. Tina is so pleased as she will be able to continue working as a florist which she really loves.
"My RSI has 90% disappeared, I am so relieved" Tina
For tips on reducing the effect of RSI and how the Technique can help go to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton/RSI_Brighton.html

A video of the man himself - Frederick Alexander

Take a look at this rare video footage of FM Alexander taken from TheSTATchannel on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbeXjewVmME&feature=channel_page

To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton got to:
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

Video explaining 'Alexander Technique and the Back pain trial'

Take a look at these two 6 minute British Medical Journal videos posted on YouTube :
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GbwzqT9piU&feature=PlayList&p=F4E86857536497E5&playnext=1&index=29


Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmimtk381U&feature=related

To find out more about the Alexander Technique in Brighton go to :
www.alexandertechniquebrighton.com

The whole world is talking about the Alexander Technique

You’ve probably heard the news that the Alexander Technique is great for reducing chronic back pain (unless, of course, it’s old news to you– in which case you may already have thought about having some AT lessons yourself!) From the UK, to India, to the USA, to Canada, to New Zealand, STAT (Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique) has been busy telling the world about recent research published in the British Medical Journal, which showed Alexander Technique lessons give patients with chronic lower back pain important improvements in function, quality of life and reduce the number of days in pain. In fact, 24 Alexander Technique lessons reduce back pain by a colossal 85% - making it more effective than classical massage and normal GP care, or GP prescribed exercises alone.

STAT has always known the Alexander Technique is effective for alleviating many different conditions, but now the rest of the world has cottoned on to its clinically-proven effect on back pain. The media has been raving about the research, with hundreds of pieces of media coverage worldwide.

In the UK national papers alone there have been nine large articles.
The Daily Mail announced: “An old cure for a modern malaise: Alexander Technique can beat chronic back pain”.
The Daily Telegraph told its readers to “Sit up and take note of the best way to beat back pain”.
And The Guardian proclaimed the “Alexander Technique does ease back pain”.
So with the Alexander Technique a hot topic at the moment, what’s next for STAT? Keep yourself updated with news and events by visiting www.stat.org.uk and discover what the whole world is talking about.