Contrary to popular opinion, the Alexander technique (AT) is not just a method to improve posture. Better posture because of adopting the Alexander technique is a bonus, but it is not the end goal.
The AT teaches us how to free the muscular tension in our bodies that has accumulated through years of misuse, allowing our bodies to move as they are designed to, restoring the natural poise, flexibility and ease of movement that was lost in childhood.
People often think that the Alexander Technique is a form of exercise similar to yoga and Pilates; in fact it is actually an educational process rather than a relaxation technique or form of exercise.
The Alexander Technique really isn’t a learning process, rather it is remembering how our bodies used to work. It could be better described as an unlearning process – we need to forget everything about our posture that feels right and re-educate ourselves on what is actually right for body, mind and spirit.
The Alexander Technique will re-educate your mind and body to stop using unnecessary levels of muscular and mental tension during everyday actions, thoughts and activities. It is a method, a training, for people to recognize and overcome habits and limitations in both movement and thinking.
Poor posture can interfere with our mobility, breathing, circulation and digestion. It can contribute to overuse injuries to hands, arms, back, joints and shoulders and it can affect our sense of wellbeing.