Lessons
- What happens in a lesson?
- How long does a lesson last and how many will I need?
- What is the best frequency of lessons?
- Where and when?
- What does it cost?
- What should I consider before starting lessons?
- What if I need to cancel a lesson?
What happens in a lesson?
An Alexander teacher works with you one-to-one, using their hands and simple explanations to gently guide you through everyday movements. A typical session will explore common activities like how we sit, stand or walk. The teacher will also work with you while you are lying down. There are no specific requirements for lessons, though I suggest wearing comfortable, non-restrictive clothes.
In a lesson you will be actively engaged in a process of learning, which people usually find enjoyable and relaxing. What is learnt in the session can be applied to any activity — from sitting at a computer with less tension, to exercising or gardening without strain, or to responding more calmly to your work environment and other stressful situations.
How long does a lesson last and how many will I need?
An introductory lesson lasts 1 hour and subsequent lessons are about 40 minutes. The number of lessons required depends on what you want to achieve. After 5-6 lessons you should have a good idea of what the Alexander Technique is all about and you may well begin to notice benefits; 15-30 lessons are often needed for permanent changes to occur and become fully integrated. In a major clinical back pain trial of Alexander Technique, the best results were found in those who had received 24 lessons; people who had taken 6 lessons also experienced significant benefit.
Since the Alexander Technique cannot be adequately described in words but is something that needs to be experienced, having an introductory lesson is the best way of finding out if it is for you.
What is the best frequency of lessons?
If you decide to continue after your introductory lesson, you may wonder about the optimum frequency of lessons. In the beginning it takes time to assimilate the work, so to get you off to a good start it is best if you are able to come about twice a week for the first few weeks. However, many people will only be able to fit one lesson a week into their schedule and they can be reassured that they are still likely to progress well at this frequency, particularly if they can do the daily ‘active rest’ procedure that I recommend for everyone.
Once a week remains a good frequency after your first few lessons and the lessons can gradually be spread out further as you progress. Some people then continue with a monthly lesson or just come back for a refresher as and when they feel they need it. Once you've had some lessons you are likely to know what frequency and total number of lessons is right for you.
In the back pain trial the lessons were spread out as two lessons per week for the first 6 weeks, then one lesson per week for 6 weeks, then one per fortnight for 8 weeks, and then one refresher lesson at 7 months and finally at 9 months (total of 24 lessons).
Where and when?
My practice is in central Knutsford (Postcode: WA16 0DE). The location is close to the bus and train stations, and has easy parking.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.
What does it cost?
Each lesson costs £35.
Gift vouchers are also available. Please contact me for further details.
What should I consider before starting lessons?
Alexander Technique lessons can benefit people of all ages and any level of physical fitness or health.
The Alexander Technique is not a quick fix but if you want to take responsibility for your health and wellbeing, and are open to new ways of thinking, lessons can empower you by giving you the tools to make the changes that you want.
In a lesson you will be practising everyday activities no different to those in your daily life and the teacher will be using gentle, light touch (not manipulation) to help guide you through these activities. It is, therefore, unlikely that you will experience any untoward effects. For example, in the back pain trial, there were no adverse events reported by any of the 288 participants who undertook Alexander Technique lessons.
After an Alexander lesson most people feel relaxed and more in control of life. Nonetheless, occasionally people may experience tiredness, or aches similar to those following exercise. Rarely, temporary faintness/dizziness can be experienced during a lesson. Before starting Alexander lessons you should let your teacher know if you have any pain or conditions that may affect movement. You should also inform her/him if you are pregnant.
Please note that Alexander Technique teachers do not give medical diagnoses. If you have any health concerns it is important that you discuss these with your GP.
What if I need to cancel a lesson?
In the event that you need to cancel a lesson, I ask that you give at least 24 hours' notice to avoid liability for payment for the cancelled session. In the unlikely event that I need to cancel a lesson, I undertake to give you at least 24 hours' notice, or I will provide your next lesson free of charge.