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Paul Marsh is a qualified teacher of the Alexander Technique, showing you how to use your body more effectively – to walk, run or play sports in a poised, easy manner, with less likelihood of injury.
The technique is widely used to help people recover from musculoskeletal problems such as back pain and joint pain. Doctors and physiotherapists increasingly recommend it as a method of postural re-education. It is also used in athletics coaching at the highest level.
Alexander technique is taught in one-on-one sessions, which are available at Woodlands Herbs, in the west end of Glasgow, and in the south side of the city. Paul also runs regular group classes introducing the basics of the technique, as well as classes on how to improve your running style.
Why should I learn it?
Most people employ muscular tension in a way that compromises their co-ordination and promotes problems like muscular imbalance, leading to a greater likelihood of injury. So they feel frustrated at being unable to reach their potential with strenuous or skilful activities like sport.
You might be feeling frustrated by a recurring joint injury, back pain or general aches and pains. Or you might suspect that you could be better co-ordinated, that you’d like to approach physical activity with less strain, and greater poise, balance and ease. Or you might simply want to be better at what you do.
Does it work?
In 2008 the British Medical Journal published the results of a major NHS-funded trial into the effects of Alexander Technique. The study established that the technique reduces pain and muscle spasm, improves co-ordination and flexibility and strengthens postural muscles. It offers long-term benefits to back-pain sufferers.
Alexander technique is used to coach top-level athletes. For example, the British gold-medal winning rowing team at the 2004 Athens Olympics were all receiving instruction in it.
How do you learn it?
One-on-one sessions can show you how to use your body more effectively – to sit, stand and move with poise and ease. The teacher uses some light hands-on contact and verbal instruction to guide you through different activities, helping you experience an often dramatic sense of release throughout the body’s musculature.
You’ll walk out of a session feeling noticeably lighter and freer (and taller). Even better, you’ll be learning how to recreate these effects on your own, putting you in control of maintaining your own health and mobility.
You’ll also find problems like back pain and joint pain will diminish as you learn to use your body properly again. And it increases your ability to engage with skilful activities - including sport and playing musical instruments – in an easy and injury-free manner.
Website: www.alexandertechniqueglasgow.com
