As the competitors return home from the Winter Olympics, I’m pondering which ones might have been using the Alexander Technique to help them achieve their personal bests and stay free of injury. Certainly, previous Olympians have described how using it was integral to winning their medals and sustaining their careers, including 2012 British Dressage Team Gold medal winner Carl Hester who said ‘The Alexander Technique is one of the most valuable tools a rider can possess’.
You might think you’ve not much in common with an Olympic athlete but most of us would like to be able to reach our full potential. Your breathing, movement and clarity of thinking can be improved through the Alexander Technique – and that is going to be beneficial to performance in any sport or activity. Research has demonstrated how training in the Alexander Technique leads to improved movement coordination, balance and postural support. Just as important, the Alexander Technique enables one to stay present and focused.
For many of us, remaining injury free is as high a priority as achieving the best times. Again, better balance and coordination is key here but also important is the growing self-awareness that allows us to know our limitations and avoid the all-too easy slip into only focusing on the desired result (‘endgaining’) without paying attention to what we’re actually doing in that moment.
So whether you’re a serious competitor or enjoy a gentle jog round the local park, consider finding out how the Alexander Technique can help you reach your goals without compromising your long-term health.