Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a form of psycho-physical re-education to gain more balance, support and flexibility in the body. It is a learning method to use the body more efficiently in our daily activities.

Little children move with great ease, flexibility and poise. With the demands of daily life and the constant flow of stimuli, we often loose this “being-quality”. In carrying out our movements, we use more force and tension than needed, putting undue pressure on ourselves. Harmful habits and excessive effort may lead to discomfort, exhaustion or even physical complaints and pain.

The Alexander Technique teaches you to develop an awareness of your posture and your movements. You will learn to:

   • stop harmful movement patterns.
   • direct your mind to your physical body in order to create change.
   • reduce strain and relieve pain or discomfort.

A balanced and dynamic relationship between head, neck and back allows an effortless uprightness in movement and stillness. The coordination of the whole body will be improved. While you gradually learn how to release unnecessary muscle tension, you learn to recover poise and ease of movement. Movements thus become fluid and lively. This new quality will not only affect your body, but all aspects of your life. You will experience more composure and balance.


Who benefits from the Alexander Technique?

   • People who suffer from postural problems such as chronic back pain, repetitive strain injuries,
     neck & shoulder problems or headaches.

   • People who need help with their mental stress and who are looking for long-term recovery after
     traumatic accidents.

   • Actors, dancers and musicians who want to perform with greater ease and more clarity and
     want to gain more presence and physical enjoyment.

   • Horse Riders who want to improve their riding and dressage skills and obtain a clearer and
     more subtle communication with their horse.

   • Pregnant women who want to reduce postural problems and pregnancy complaints such as
     backache, breathlessness and tiredness.

   • Anyone who wants to develop a better body awareness and wants to strive for more balance
     in life!


Learning Alexander Technique

In individual lessons, the Alexander Technique is taught by simple movements and everyday activities, like sitting, lying down, standing or walking. Daily activities, such as gardening, making music or riding are incorporated in the teaching so that you learn to apply the principles of the Alexander Technique in whatever you do throughout the day. With an increased self-awareness, habitual patterns of movement and reaction can be detected and changed. The coordination of the whole body will be improved while discomfort and pain will be reduced. This process is supported bygentle hands-on guidance and verbal instructions. The lessons last 50 minutes. The course of each lesson and the number of lessons you take depends on your particular needs.

There are also group classes in the Alexander Technique available in different locations in the Fraser Valley. These are held in music programs, dance studios, summer camps, and equestrian centres. In addition to the individual hands-on work, a group offers opportunities to learn by observing others and sharing experiences.