• a period of rest with the client lying on the teaching table in the ideal position of rest for the back, whilst the teacher very gently takes the head and limbs through a series of slow precise movements. The client is asked neither to help nor resist, simply allowing the movements to occur;

• some time standing, working toward finding the optimal position of balance of the head so that the spine naturally lengthens and the back widens with the shoulders releasing;

• some chair work, using the process of getting in and out of the chair to focus on and fine-tune the use of the back, neck, hips and knees, plus exploring better ways of using the body whilst seated - for example, minimising the demands on the body of extensive use of computer and telephone.

At the end of a lesson clients normally look and feel more upright, open, calm, alert and centred.

As well as being of value in reducing the effects of everyday stress and fatigue and habitual unconscious misuse of the body, lessons will be of benefit to anyone with an interest in singing, dance/yoga/Pilates, playing a musical instrument, riding, all sports and all fine manual activities such as painting, pottery, sewing - whatever we are doing with our bodies, Alexander Technique can make the process more enjoyable and effective.