ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Practical method
The Shaw Method for swimmers is based on the principles of the Alexander Technique. With the Alexander Technique you learn to move in a fluent and efficient way and to use your body without overloading. This technique is known worldwide and is widely used by professional athletes, musicians, dancers and actors.
What is the Alexander Technique?
Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method with which you can improve your physical and mental functioning. It is widely used by professional musicians, dancers, athletes and actors. However, it is not so well known outside these fields. In the Netherlands, many people are more familiar with exercise therapies such as Mensendieck, Feldenkrais (who was a student of FM Alexander), and Cesar therapy. Worldwide, however, Alexander Technique is much better known than these methods and Alexander Technique is more widely spread. There are currently about 3000 Alexander teachers active, and there are professional associations in 18 countries.
Alexander Technique can be classified under 'education'. You come to class (group or private) to learn something that you can then apply independently for the rest of your life. In that sense, it differs greatly in character from a therapy, in which you let what the therapist does with you. In the Alexander lessons you mainly get to work yourself and the teacher guides you in this, such as learning to play a musical instrument, only in this case you are the instrument yourself.
Moving in a natural way
The traditional way of swimming education is derived from competitive swimming. The Shaw Method of Swim in Balance is unique because it is inspired by the technique of FMAlexander. This helps to rediscover your natural balance and equilibrium. The Alexander Technique is taught by qualified teachers. In the Netherlands, most teachers are members of the Dutch Association for Alexander Technique Teachers (NeVLAT).
What's the benefit?
With athletes and musicians, the effect of this technique is often immediately noticeable in their results, which is why it is so popular with them. When horseback riding, for example, you immediately notice the behavior of your horse if you apply the Alexander Technique yourself. Singers, winds and strings often hear an immediate improvement in sound. In general, your awareness will grow of what you do, how you react to different stimuli. You learn to observe what your own habits are and you learn a method with which you can break them and build new habits in a more favorable way, both in thinking and in movement.
Examples of victory points:
– more peace and overview in thinking
– developing an appropriate muscle tone for the activity you do: neither too much nor too little
– learn to move as efficiently as possible, with the effect of less pressure on the joints and less tension in, for example, the neck
– reduction of neck and back complaints, sometimes also reduction of headaches
– doing exactly what is needed at that moment, without overconcentration or distracting thoughts
– a more beautiful appearance in everyday life and on stage
– easier public speaking, overcome stage fright
Where is it from?
The Alexander Technique was developed at the beginning of the 20th century by FM Alexander, who was studying at the theater school in London at the time. He wanted to be an actor and specialized in reciting Shakespeare's works. However, he had a problem with his vocalization, he kept losing his voice halfway through the performance. Because doctors could not find a cause, he himself started to observe very closely what he did differently on stage than off stage. With this he discovered certain principles that not only solved his own problem, but which also proved to be widely applicable for fellow actors, and musicians, dancers and athletes who were friends. This is where the Alexander Technique arose.
Do you want Alexander Technique lessons without swimming?
You can also learn this technique without combining it with swimming. Swim in Balance founder Esther Visser has an Alexander Technique practice in Haarlem. She regularly teaches (former) students of Swim in Balance swimming courses. You are most welcome. Her practice's website is: www.free-up.nl. Or leave a message if interested.
For more general information about the Alexander Technique, visit: www.alexandertechniek.nl
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