Alexander Technique

There are a number of mind and body fitness techniques today that are avidly followed by people all over the world. Pilates, Yoga, Alexander, T’ai Chi, Reiki and so many others are ways that involve mind and body exercises towards a healthier and better way of living. Each one of these techniques has their own focus and way of function.

What Is The Pilates?

Pilate has been created by a man named Joseph Pilates (a German national) with the specific aim to help weak people become strong with the help targeted yet extremely simple-to-do exercises.

Pilates is basically an exercise regime that strengthens the body trough simple fluid motion exercises and regulation of breathing. The Pilates is best used by people who do not have the time or capability of undergoing strenuous physical exercises, yet they want to be fit and have well developed muscles and toned body in general. These exercises are very simple and can be done even by a person who is bedridden – yet the effect of this type of exercise is startling.

What Is The Alexander Technique?

The Alexander technique was created by an aspiring actor, F Mathias Alexander (an Australian national) about a century ago and it promotes optimum body functionality through correction of posture and movement habits. The Alexander technique is a method by which a person can learn to enjoy the optimum use of his/ her body through simple methods that correct wrong body postures and movements.

The effects of the Alexander technique are not limited to the body only; it also promotes fitness of mind and even works as an excellent speech therapy. The stuttering Alexander technique is world famous and has helped millions until date to speak better and overcome major speech defects such as stuttering.

There is not much similarity between the Pilates and Alexander technique other than that both contribute greatly and are known as excellent mind and body fitness programs. However, some people prefer to combine both the techniques because they feel that the Pilates is excellent for strengthening of the body, while the Alexander technique adds the polishing touches, i.e. how to stand, sit, move correctly, and thereby complement the effects of the Pilates and vice versa.

There are many teachers and many Alexander technique programs each tweaked just a little to improve it in one aspect of other. There is the Karen Loving Alexander technique created by Karen, which is a simpler yet more effective method of the original technique. Then there is the Alexander technique Patricia Gallup and the Clifford Hicks Alexander technique (both famous teachers and trainers, as well as members of the American Society for the Alexander Technique) who has prescribed a special Alexander technique course that combines the old and new principles into an excellent and effective exercise regime.