About the lessonsLessons take generally 40-50 minutes depending on the physical condition and cooperation ability of the student. Practice shows that learning the basics takes approximately 30 lessons, so the student can effectively and creatively use the knowledge the gained in his daily life.

 

How often should I come?

 

This always depends on the condition of the student; however, in the beginning one lesson a week is advisable. Between two lessons students of course try to apply what they learned in the previous lesson, but in the beginning this seems difficult for them and most of the time they soon fall back into their habits. Thus we can say that it is ideal to come 2-3 times a week for the beginning. In particularly problematic and difficult cases (e.g. acute pain, slipped disc, injuries) it is useful to come more often, even every day.

 

What clothes should I put on?

 

It is advisable to wear (or to bring) comfortable clothes that allow you free movement, especially for the limbs. So, you will not need to undress during Alexander lessons, it will be enough to take off your shoes.

 

What happens during a lesson?

 

The teacher generally observes your moving, your movement patterns (how you put your bag down, how you prepare for the lesson, how you sit down, etc.) from the moment you enter the door. Then he asks you to sit down or stand up, maybe to walk around – always depending on the current situation – while he puts his hand gently on your neck or back, from where he collects information and where he also gently transfers information. There are no special tools or machines used in an Alexander lesson, you will only find a mirror for the self observance, a table (on which you can lay down to temporarily relieve your body, especially your spine and muscles from gravity) and a chair on which you sit, from which you stand up and with the help of which you conduct other seemingly easy activities. Indeed, this simple work is the most efficient way to activate your spine. With maintaining the freedom of your neck, your head will become able to balance on the top of your spine, your back will lengthen and widen, and you will learn to reserve the dynamic relation of the head, neck and back even during movement which is the key for the easiness and freedom of movement.

 

With the words of Aldous Huxley:

 

“One cannot describe the experience of seeing the colour, red. Similarly one cannot describe the much more complex experience of improved physical co-ordination. A verbal description would mean something only to a person, who had actually had the experience described..”

 

Anyhow, only one lesson will tell you more about the Alexander Technique than plenty of fully written pages.