A BIT ABOUT ME
Whatever I've done in life, sport and movement have played a fundamental role. From playing competitive football, cricket, hockey, golf and badminton in my younger days through to becoming a sports journalist and then an Alexander Technique teacher, my appreciation of good movement has been an ever-evolving journey. And now, through teaching running form and the Alexander Technique I'm lucky enough to work with people from so many different fields to help them counter harmful habits, move more freely and efficiently, and improve their balance, coordination and body awareness.
My relationship with the Alexander Technique began after suffering from years of injuries and pain. A slipped disc in my back aged 27, plus shoulder surgery, knee, ankle and neck problems and numerous other niggles prevented me from playing competitive sport and forced me to take time off my work as a journalist. I needed to change something if I wanted a normal life again and that's when I discovered AT.
The technique answered many of the questions as to why my injuries occurred and why they kept recurring. I realised that, rather than just being injury-prone, many of my problems were caused by what I was putting my body through. The way I moved, the way I stood and sat, and the way I performed everyday tasks involved a lot more effort and muscular tension than was necessary and I was doing long-term damage to my body.
Undertaking the the three-year training course at the London Centre for Alexander Technique and Training was one of the best decisions I ever made as it further improved my health and has allowed me to help people from all ages with this incredible work.
It also helped me develop a love of running. From someone who ran begrudgingly for fitness, I learned to appreciate the freedom and thinking space that running can bring and also how running with good form can be a tool to improve the overall functioning of my body.
I qualified as an 'Art of Running' instructor after studying under Alexander teacher and athletics coach Malcolm Balk and now work with runners of all abilities to hone their form, reduce the risk of injury and bring greater enjoyment. I teach 1-to-1 and small group running classes, as well as larger workshops, and I offer online video analysis and Zoom lessons. To find out more about my Run SMART classes, click here.
I'm also closely involved in growing the role of the Alexander Technique within education. I am part of the Developing Self team, a not-for-profit group working to inspire Alexander teachers and school teachers to develop a more healthy and effective education system. Together we have organised an online 'Alexander in Education' conference that has reached people all around the world and will continue to grow as a truly comprehensive resource for anyone interested in Alexander in education. We have also launched thereadylist.com, an online resource for the general public containing information on tried and tested ways to change unwanted habits, calm the nervous system and access ways to learn at our best, no matter what the discipline.
Throughout the academic year I teach Alexander Technique at Uppingham School in Rutland, working with their talented music scholars and also with non-musicians, aged 13-18.
Elsewhere I have helped run group AT workshops within other secondary schools, assisted in the Alexander department at the Royal College of Music in London and worked individually with professional and amateur musicians to improve efficiency and refine technique.
I am a fully accredited and insured member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander
Technique (STAT).
