Alexander Technique – Re-education in Body Awareness
What is the Alexander Technique?
Developed over a hundred years ago by F. M. Alexander, the Alexander Technique (AT) is a hands-on approach to understanding human alignment. Applying AT principles leads to more reliable sensory perception, body awareness, and movement that is easier, more dynamic and much more enjoyable. The Alexander Technique is an educational process which teaches the student how to identify and undo poor and inefficient habits that may be causing stress and fatigue.
Who studies AT?
Anyone who experiences discomfort or disability due to stress, poor posture, repetitive stress injuries or movement problems. Examples: • Performing artists • Voice and movement educators • Physical & massage therapists • Public speakers • Computer users • Martial artists • Retirees with limited range of motion • Equestrians and other athletes
"It’s so interesting and satisfying when people and experiences come together to make sense of our life stories! Alexander Technique lessons with Robbin Marcus opened my eyes to the gripping and restraining habits I had allowed to sideline the joy of my music making. Learning more about the neuro-physiology of our daily habits has put me in tune with the changes my aging body undergoes as a hypermobile spectrum/Ehlers Danlos person. The greatest gift an AT teacher gives is a listening ear and open heart to explore healing together. Thank you Robbin❣️" - Monique Gatton, musician
"Under Robbin's magic hands I felt like I grew several inches, got lighter and more balanced, and was able to move with a new ease and grace. As a singer, I find Alexander Technique enormously liberating, and Robbin is articulate and inspired, both in her verbal and her manual guidance.” — Elise Witt, singer-songwriter
In the video below, Robbin's Alexander student Janet Gary talks about how AT and Robbin have helped her with symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
What can AT do for you?
AT has been shown to help: • Reduce stress and fatigue • Increase energy and sense of well-being • Increase body and mind awareness • Relieve chronic pain and prevent injury • Improve confidence in presentation skills • Offer you new possibilities and choices for living in your body
How is AT taught? Lessons are generally taught on an individual basis. Robbin also offers group classes and workshops; individual follow-up is recommended.
"Robbin, What a wonderful series of classes in Alexander Technique! During the course I enjoyed practicing the techniques daily. What I did not realize during the class was that doing an 8-week program meant that I had time to integrate the new perception and behaviors into my life. Two months after the course, the techniques continue to be part of my awareness of movement and posture during work, play and rest. My perception of my body and my movement through the world has changed. Thank you." – Aileen R., London
What does the student learn?
The Alexander Technique teacher analyzes the student’s movement patterns in daily life: walking, sitting, bending, reaching, lifting. As the teacher guides with a gentle touch and verbal instruction, the student learns to replace faulty habits with improved coordination by locating and releasing undue muscular tensions. This generally results in greater ease and freedom of movement and increased energy. In some cases, AT can help alleviate pain that has been caused by postural stress.