good technique minimizes risk – in exercise, in life
I have never taught a Pilates class in my life and don’t intend to start! But I do teach some exercises to some pupils. In my practice I found that some simple movements, which we can call exercises, helped some pupils enormously. If we don’t take our bodies through a full range of movement, muscles and connective tissues stiffen, blood supply is reduced. This can alter posture, reduce mobility and cause pain.
The Alexander Technique teaches good movement and postural patterns focusing on daily activities. Pilates expands the movement repertoire, teaching and reinforcing good coordination as well as flexibility and strength.
Pilates is a mind – body exercise system that will improve strength including core strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. It has always emphasised the need for mindfulness, concentration on what you are doing.
LISTEN to Jane’s audio interview about the Alexander Technique and Pilates:
“After many years of Alexander lessons I found that the right thing was never going to happen by itself because the muscle strength wasn’t there to enable it to happen. Pilates gave me the necessary strength and support to allow my singing to move to a new level. Something which my singing teacher independently commented on.
I find it completely natural to take the self-awareness of the Alexander Technique into Pilates. Pilates feel like a dynamic sister to the Alexander Technique.”
– Sally, Cambridge
“Pilates and Alexander go together so well – they complement each other. What you learn from one helps the other.”
– Lucy, Cambridge
“I don’t know how anyone can do Pilates without Alexander. It makes all the difference to applying the benefits of Pilates to daily life. And it makes it easier to understand the exercises so you can do them properly.”
– Laura, Cambridge