Tip 51 – Stability and Posture

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Stability is the result of oppositional relationships, not standing up straight.

Leland Vall Alexander Technique Tip 51

Having good balance in your daily life isn’t like balancing a ruler on your finger or walking a tightrope. Stability is achieved partly through dynamic oppositional relationships within the body, especially between the head and neck. The head goes forward and up in opposition to the torso going back and up. I know, this is a difficult one. Visit the resources below for further information.
 
Resources for Improving Stability:
 
Extra
 
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There are more resources available at www.freeyourneck.com. Please write your requests in the comment section.

By |2019-01-16T18:01:19-05:00March 12th, 2011|Balance, Dynamic Opposition, Weekly Tips|1 Comment

Tip 50 – Neck Tension and Balance

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For improved balance, reduce neck tension.

Leland Vall Alexander Technique Tip 50

New students often ask, “where should I put my head?” In fact, there is no proper position for your head because your head moves in response to everything you do. As shown in the image above, the free movement of your head contributes to balance because its weight at the top of your spine counterbalances your torso. Neck tension limits head movement and your ability to respond to balance challenges.  And if you ever feel like your are falling backwards, put your head forward, not back.

Resources for Improving Balance:

Balance and the Alexander Technique

Stability and Posture

Video: Proper Head Position

Video: Point Your Spine

Lying Down Exercise II

Video & Article: Walk with More Stability and Power

Extra
For Josh Pence, the Alexander Technique, “…paid off in spades”.

To receive these weekly tips as an email, visit Weekly Alexander Technique Tips. More resources, articles and workshops at www.freeyourneck.com.  Write a comment if you have a question or request.

By |2019-01-16T17:42:11-05:00March 5th, 2011|Balance, Head/Neck, Weekly Tips|25 Comments

Tip 10.5 – Balance and the Alexander Technique

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To improve balance, think Up and Down, not side to side.

Balance is an intrinsic sense and, unless you are dizzy or having trouble determining which way is up, you can improve your ability to properly respond to what your sense of balance tells you. You might be surprised at how quickly you can improve your balance simply by changing how you think about it.

Thinking About Balance

The way you think about balance is important to how you maintain balance. Stability and balance in your body is not like balancing an object on one finger. Instead of trying to avoid falling to the side,  think of your spine pointing up and your feet reaching down. When you think of your body as going in these two directions, up and down, you will have less of a tendency to fall to the side. In addition to feeling more stable, you will also feel taller.

Exercise

Stand up and point one finger as high as you can. Continuing to point your finger, lift your opposite knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground (or as close to that as you can), while also allowing your foot to hang directly under your raised knee (see the image to the right). Try to make the tip of your finger and the bottom of your standing foot be as far away from each other as you can. If you feel unsteady, just put your foot down and then try again.  Most people find that simultaneously thinking up and down makes it easier to maintain balance.

More on Balance

To Improve Balance, Reduce Neck Tension

Video – Walk with More Stability and Power

 

To receive these weekly tips as an email, visit Weekly Alexander Technique Tips.
There are more resources available at www.freeyourneck.com. Please write your requests in the comment section.

By |2014-08-16T15:08:46-04:00June 9th, 2010|Balance, Weekly Tips|7 Comments