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Leland Vall
The Alexander Theory
Instead of defining proper posture with static angles and
positional relationships, the Alexander
Technique defines proper posture as a quality of dynamic
oppositional relationships within the body,
similar to a compression spring or an ocean wave. Instead of
holding parts of the body in a position,
such as holding the shoulders back or tightening the stomach,
students of the Alexander Technique
establish oppositional relationships within their bodies by
learning to avoid the excess tension thattends to draw the body
inward.
As shown in the above image on the left, poor posture is
exemplified by a retraction of the head into
the body, which tends to push the upper torso forward and down.
In improved posture, the head
releases forward and up, giving room for the torso to expand
backward and upward in opposition to
the head and legs. It is important to note that these are not
positions, but rather a release of excess
tension that allows for internal dynamic relationships similar
to the wave image on the right. It is
also important to understand that the Alexander Technique is not
a set of movements, but a general
concept about posture and movement.
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Dynamic Oppositional
Relationships As a Wave
In poor posture, the head is pulleddown and back, pushing the
torso
down and forward. In improved
posture, the head releases forward
and up, giving room to the torso
and creating a dynamic
oppositional relationship that issimilar to the wave.
Dynamic Oppositional
Relationships As a Spring
The Alexander Technique suggests that proper
posture also resembles a compression spring.
Like the archers bow, the oppositionalrelationships remain the
same during movement
no matter the direction of the movement. If you
think of the body as a spring, or a set of springs,the bending
figure could be moving up or down.
Worse Better
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The image above shows how the body can be compared to a
compression spring like the archers
bow. No matter how much the spring is compressed, it remains in
opposition to itself and always
seeks to expand. In proper bending, the body works similarly to
the bow and the dynamic
oppositional relationships are maintained throughout the
movement. The diagram can be compared
to the images below.
Learning the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a mind/body awareness skill. It is
not an exercise
and, although it can enhance fitness training, it does not
replace it. During a
lesson, the instructor uses their hands to gently guide the
student through simple
movements. It takes from 10-30 private lessons to gain a useful
understanding of
the Alexander Technique. After each lesson, students usually
feel lighter and freer
in their movement. It is the students responsibility to apply
the lessons to their
daily life. Over time the old way of moving begins to feel
uncomfortable and the
improvement becomes permanent.
Certification to become and Alexander Teacher is quite involved
and requires the
completion of a three year, 1600 hour course. Contact the
American Society for
the Alexander Technique for more information and to find a
teacher in your area. www.amsat.org
Leland Vall is an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique teacher in
New York City. He has taught
Alexander at Chelsea Pier Sports Center and is the author ofThe
Secret to Using Your Body.
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Dynamic Oppositional
Relationships in Movement
Instead of looking at these imagesas positions, look at how
the
image on the right looks more likea compression spring or a wave
in
motion than the image on the left.
Alexander teacher
Leland Vall with
personal trainer Luis
Baez.
Body parts pulled together. Body parts in opposition to each
other.
Worse Better
http://www.scribd.com/doc/15793184/The-Secret-to-Using-Your-Bodyhttp://www.freeyourneck.com/http://www.freeyourneck.com/http://www.scribd.com/doc/15793184/The-Secret-to-Using-Your-Body
