Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique is a physical movement discipline with a focus on self-perception of movement. It is most often taught by hands-on coaching and by convincing participants of the value of physical poise. What makes it unique is its lack of preset exercises; any movement can be used to demonstrate its principles.

Historically taught in private lessons, its principles have also been adapted to be taught in groups, often using short individual lessons which, in turn, act as examples to the rest of the class.

The Technique takes its name from F. Matthias Alexander, who first formulated its principles between 1890 and 1900. The Alexander Technique is claimed to alleviate pain, promote rehabilitation, improve breathing, and decrease stage fright, as well as improve other conditions related to overcompensation.

"After working for a lifetime in this new field, I am conscious that the knowledge gained is but a beginning, but I think I may confidently predict that those who are sufficiently interested in the findings I have recorded, and who will be guided by them in any further search, will find their outlook and understanding towards the question of control of human reaction (behaviour) so completely changed that they will see that knowledge of the self is fundamental to all other." -- Frederick Matthias Alexander, 1869-1955

The Alexander Technique will help you better understand how your body is structured. It will enable you to move and speak more efficiently with less strain on muscles and joints.  It is an elegant and non-judgmental technique that encourages you to work on job-related, athletic or fitness, and performance skills as you improve the way you use your body in everyday activities. The Alexander Technique is body work that becomes an integral part of your life.

"The Alexander Technique makes working with my massage therapy clients a more pleasant, as well as a more effective experience. By paying attention to how I am using myself in the moment, I become more able to help another person. The Alexander Technique is a wise investment for any somatic practitioner". -- Matt Williams, Massage Therapist and Somatic Practitioner

"Alexander work has helped me achieve much improved freedom of movement through a focus on releasing muscular and joint tension. The work has also resulted in a decrease in joint pain associated with physical activity." -- Lynda Miller, Ph.D, Developmental Learning Specialist

Alexander Technique lessons begin with improving simple activities such as walking, sitting and standing, and picking up objects. As you become more familiar with the technique, Juhl will work with you to improve more complex activities.  Learning the Alexander Technique is a partnership between teacher and student. The teacher uses gentle hands on guidance and student and teacher engage in conversation about ways to improve movement.

The Alexander Technique is a very effective way to improve the ways you approach job-related activities such as sitting at a computer for long periods of time or performing repetitive activities necessary for clerical or manual labor.  Actors and singers can improve and maintain their voices through more efficient breathing and sound production using the technique. Instrumentalists and conductors can improve complex and delicate movement for greater ease and flexibility and improved musicality. Athletes and dancers can maximize performance and minimize pain and injury through strategizing movement practices that require less impact and muscular tension.  Importantly, the technique can help anyone perform simple everyday activities like picking up objects, writing with a pen or pencil, or driving with ease and efficiency.

"I started studying the Alexander Technique for relief from chronic pain in my back and legs. The most exciting discovery is that, in addition to less pain, I have become a better dancer with a more complete understanding of how my body functions within my technique." -- Andrea Comola, member of Ballet Austin Dance Company

The Alexander Technique is studied by computer programmers, graphic designers and other individuals whose occupation requires a great deal of time using computers. Professionals in medical fields and healing arts such as dentists, dental assistants, doctors, chiropractors, bodywork therapists and physical therapists, greatly benefit from learning how to move more efficiently and with less strain. The Alexander Technique helps to reduce the stress of travel and improves vocal technique and public speaking. Athletic performance and conditioning are also greatly enhanced with the use of the Technique. For almost a century, The Alexander Technique has been one of the foremost methods for psychophysical re-education.