What to Expect during your First Class
What to Expect
What Will You Learn in Your First Alexander Technique Class?
That everyone has unnecessary tension patterns in their body they may be experiencing (or may be unaware of) and how you can move out of yours.
How the head-neck-back relationship effects how we feel and function (well or not so well) in our daily lives.
How thought impacts our bodies and vice-versa.
That we can choose response vs. reactivity.
How to become aware of everyday movements like sitting, standing, walking, and reaching.
How your awareness in these simple activities (and your decision to change how you do them) can lead you to feel and function better.
Things to practice on your own to begin to address your pain (or the presenting symptom that brought you to Alexander) which actually work.
What happens in an Alexander lesson?
If you and your teacher haven’t met before, it’s typical to have a consultation of some kind either prior to your first class or as part of it. Get clear about what to expect with your instructor before your lesson.
Watch me working with a couple of students here! While your teacher likely will tailor a lesson to your unique body, mind, and needs (this is why a consultation helps), Alexander lessons typically consist of chair work and table work. An AT teacher also may look at walking, bending, reaching, and at movement while you’re supported by a wall. If you play an instrument, they may ask you to bring it with you.
Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in. I’ve worked with finance executives in suits and yoga instructors in Lululemon: as long as what you’re wearing doesn’t impede your movement and isn’t distracting to you, it’s fine!
Because Alexander Technique is a self-study, an approach you learn and apply to life activities, most teachers assign daily practice (dedicated periods of time and/or more casual periods). Remember, you are going for lessons: you’re an active collaborator in your learning and you’re developing a skill/tool; you aren’t passive or a patient as you might be in a visit to a chiropractor or massage therapist or acupuncturist. At the end of your class, ask your teacher what they’d like you to think about or do or read between lessons. Ask what their policy is about contacting them with questions between classes - we usually are happy to field them!
Find an Alexander Technique Teacher
Google for someone nearby (use your zip code in the search) or ask friends for recommendations.
Make sure your teacher is certified by a training course that requires the international standard of 3 years / 1600 hours of training. Sorry, but the Opera or Dance or Theatre teacher who's had some Alexander classes is misguided if they claim they’re teaching you Alexander Technique. Attempts to do usually are misleading, confusing, and unhelpful. I mean: years ago I had singing lessons as part of my Acting training and do sing well; but I do NOT assert that I’m a singing teacher or that I can help you master Bel Canto repertoire. 🤣
Give a teacher a couple of lessons to determine if you are a good match. Reading reviews and recommendations are only a little helpful. No matter the discipline, not every teacher resonates with every person.
After something labeled a class or lesson, I always ask myself “what did I learn and do I have a way of applying it?” Is your teacher teaching you? Are they showing you how to teach yourself/ how to practice between lessons?
Contact the American Center for the Alexander Technique or the American Society for the Alexander Technique for help in finding nationally-certified teachers near you.