anyone tried the alexander technique?

[robinw]

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Can't really help - but I bought a couple of books by her about 3 months ago. Haven't really got past page 1.

My physio also recommended her.

What's the general idea behind her thoughts and the class ?
The books I bought were about sorting you life out and removing the stress and the clutter.

Crystaltips, I think you might be thinking of the wrong thing - Alexander Technique is a way of holding yourself and moving that reduces pain and stress in your muscles, started by Frederick Matthias Alexander. I only know about it from a musical point of view, but lots of musicians use it, because they get pain in their wrists or hands. The little I know, is that you think about every movement, so that every movement is considered, and tension is eliminated. There's quite a lot about where your head is centered on your spine, and practising moving your neck so that there is no tension, and standing up/sitting down in fluid ways. There's loads on the web about it, if you want to read more.

I can remember being dragged along to classes in the church hall when I was 4. My Mum and her best friend went through a fitness phase and this was one of their obsessions.

I was forced to sit and pretend to play with my toys. I don't think I'll EVER get over it..... my Mum wore a leotard for christs sake!!!

Musica - you're probably right. Hence the recommendation from my physio - it was to help me to get over a sports injury.

Other Alexander is - Jane. SHe's something to do with stress.

Think I probably need help from both !!

Go for it robinw - it's fantastic. Don't read a book, it really won't help .. you need to be taught. A book might be helpful to read once you 'get into it'. It's very much a lifestyle, teaching you to be always aware of your posture. I had big back problems after having the boys, but also was interested from a performance point of view (singing). The AT means that throughout the day I am aware of my posture and where the strains are, and my back problems have disappeared. (I finished the course 2 years ago, and it is certainly still affecting my life).

Big tip - if you can go for a 'trial session', because if you don't get on with the tutor, it probably won't work for you ... try a different tutor - some are better than others.

Good luck - let us know how you get on.

Actually it must be 3 years ago, because I started it when ds2 was just a few months old, and he was 4 today!

It also involves a lot of relaxing - lying on your back for ages, and so on ... which was just what I need to do once a week when the boys were 2 and 0.6! It was lovely. You've got me thinking about doing another course now!

Its great, I only had one session at a music summer school but remember feelin ginches taller. Dh's music college provided a teacher and he swears by it.

In fact I might look to see if there are any local teachers myself!

There is also AT for labour and pregnancy
Is that what you are looking for?

A friend of mine sees her tutor regularly, she initially went because she was suffering alot of headaches but continued through both her pregnancies - she swore by it.

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Before I had ds I used to go every week and it was fantastic. Would love to go again as it helps with not only my posture but also anxiety, unfortunately I don't have the money now I've got ds.

Robinw, I tried it for my terrible posture and lower back pain - but mainly for posture, for a few weeks. I didn't really feel any improvements and at about £35 per one-to-one session, I decided to try something else.

I decided to give yoga a try and I'm sure the combination of the things I'd learned (but not applied) from the Alexander Technique and the regular yoga has helped improve my posture a great deal (still a bit of a sloucher though!)

I think it is worth a try - but would recommend a one-to-one session rather than a group/class.