The Alexander Technique was developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander [1869-1955]. He was a successful Australian actor whose career was threatened by vocal trouble. Doctors were unable to offer him much help and so he discovered ways of working with movement and thought until he developed the principles of the technique. He no longer had difficulty with his voice and he also found that other health problems were improved.

He spent the rest of his life teaching his technique to others and set up the first Alexander Technique Training Course in London. There are now thousands of teachers practising inmany parts of the world registered with S.T.A.T. (The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique) the main official representative body of the Alexander Technique. All its members have completed a three year, full time training course and have reached a standard approved by the Society. They are professionally qualified and adhere to a published code of ethics.

Currently body/mind disciplines such as Pilates and Yoga are over subscribed in Health clubs as the importance of consciousness in "fitness" comes to the fore. The Alexander Technique is a powerful tool for change, which can bring about lasting improvements in physical and mental performance. It can be used to enhance a person's co-ordination and poise in everyday movements as well as more specialised activities such as in sport, exercise, office situations or applying bodywork therapy.

How can it help health club staff and their clients?

Proposal

1. 2-3hour introduction to the concepts and principles of the Alexander Technique which, with continued use, aims to:

• promote self awareness in activity

• reduce tension and strain

• prevent injury

• restore natural co-ordination and balance

• increase health and vitality

2. A placement service providing an "in house" Alexander Technique teacher for staff and clients to receive one-on-one lessons.

Why is it needed?

• 95% of all backaches are musculo-skeletal disorders, for which regular Alexander Technique lessions can offer valid preventative measures

• "mindless" exercise accentuates existing unconscious patterns of misuse

• The new revolution in fitness is to recognise and promote mind-body awareness during exercise/workouts

• Large sums of money have been mis-spent creating situations of distraction of the mind while the body exercises: for example, TV screens, headsets. this can be proven to be detrimental to the body

• Bodyworkders/massage therapists are prone to repetitive strain injuries

• The modern world, including the Health Club, can re-inforce "stimulus junkies"

HILARY AUSTIN trained as an Alexander Technique teacher from 1989-1992 with Walter Carrington [who worked and studied with F.M Alexander, the founder of the technique] at The Constructive Teaching Centre in London. She is a member of STAT the society of teachers of the Alexander Technique and runs a successful practice in the UK. For several years she was involved with introducing the technique to British Airways, leading workshops for them and other organizations such as Chiva Som Health Resort in Thailand and Skyros Holistic Holidays in Greece. She is a qualified Watsu [Water Shiatsu] practitioner/instructor and is interested in promoting personal growth and awareness. She is currently developing a programme - "Inner Work Out" using her combined experiences and different meditation methods.

For more information, please contact Hilary Austin on 01249 701094, or use the e-mail link at the bottom of the page.