Frequently asked questions
The Alexander Technique focuses on teaching individuals how to move with greater freedom and efficiency, undo unwanted postural habits and address patterns of tension. The Technique can you improve body awareness, reduce pain, enhance your balance and coordination, and promote better posture. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, looking to improve your performance in running, musical performance, or other physical activities, or simply wanting to enhance your overall well-being, the Alexander Technique offers a holistic approach to achieving those goals.
A: The session generally begins with a discussion of your specific needs, goals and any physical concerns you may have. This is followed by a series of gentle, guided movements and hands-on adjustments designed to help you become more aware of your body mechanics and postural habits. The teacher will use their hands to gently guide you into positions that reveal habitual patterns of tension and teach you how to release them. By the end of the lesson, you should have a better understanding of how to move more efficiently and with less strain.
By teaching you how to move more efficiently and with greater freedom, the Alexander Technique helps you to develop better posture, balance, and coordination. Specifically for runners, it can lead to improved breathing, reduced muscle tension, and a more balanced body alignment. My RunSMART lessons in Tonbridge and London focus on helping you become more aware of your body's movements, which can lead to a smoother and more sustainable running technique. It is a holistic approach that not only enhances physical performance but also promotes overall well-being.
Absolutely not! Since 2015, I have worked with numerous runners of all abilities, from sub-2.30 marathoners to complete beginners who have never run before. The principles I employ from the Alexander Technique and traditional running coaching are equally applicable to everybody, no matter your experience or fitness level.
A: There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to how many lessons you'll need as it can vary greatly depending on your individual goals, your starting point and how consistently you can practice the principles in your daily life. I generally recommend a minimum of three lessons to get started, ideally quite close together, but many continue for up to 10 or more. However, because everyone’s needs and circumstances differ, some may require fewer lessons while others may benefit from ongoing sessions for a more extended period, less frequently. With RunSMART lessons, the sessions tend to be spaced out a little more to give clients more of a chance to apply the work into their running schedule.
In Kent, RunSMART lessons are available on the athletics track at the Tonbridge School Centre, London Rd, Tonbridge TN10 3AD. To book, contact duty manager Evan Morgan on Evan.Morgan@tonbridge-school.org. In London, I offer running lessons in north London in Highbury Fields, Shoreditch Park, Clissold Park and Haggerston Park. Contact me directly for more information or to book. I am currently teaching regular Alexander Technique lessons on Tuesdays in the clinic of the Tonbridge School Centre TN10 3AD. I also offer AT lessons at the London Centre for Alexander Technique and Training, 137 Grosvenor Ave, London N5 2NH. Contact me directly for more information or to book your Alexander lessons.