Alexander Tech Manual (Paperback)

~ (Author), Stephen Marwood (Author) "The Alexander Technique is not so much something you learn as something you learn as something you unlearn..." (more)
Key Phrases: excessive muscular tension, entire muscular system, neck tension, Alexander Technique, Frederick Matthias Alexander

Editorial Reviews

Review

Excellent and beautifully-illustrated guide to the Alexander technique of postural (and emotional) realignment to combat the abuses we unconsciously heap on our skeletons and muscles daily. This book stands out not only for leading practioner Richard Brennan's clarity of expression but also for its thoughtful explanations and application of the technique to special situations - playing musical instruments, pregnancy and birth, driving, and during sport. You need lessons from a qualified teacher to start with, but this book is an excellent initial overview and offers support during and after training. (Kirkus UK) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

This step-by-step guide to the Alexander Technique provides an exercise system to improve breathing, posture and well-being. It teaches new ways of sitting, standing and moving to release muscular tension throughout the body and ease back pain. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Journey Editions (September 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885203381
• ISBN-13: 978-1885203380
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #931,946 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars a basic intro - not much beyond that, March 5, 2003

By A Customer

This book was a big disappointment. From the title and the other customer's review, I assume that it really was a step-by-step guide to achieving at home the good breathing and posture habits that one learns in private lessons. I have taken many lessons from a wonderful teacher, and thought this would help supplement my lessons through home maintenance.

Well, this book is nothing more than a very basic intro to which areas of life Alexander can be applied. It says the same thing over and over - how great poise and good breathing can be for sitting, standing, golf, dance, singing, pool. I would think that your average person who has puchased this book would have already made up their mind that Alexander was a good thing and wouldn't need a glorified, extended promotional pamphlet to confirm this.

There are about 8 pages in the whole thing that give you some tips on self-evaluation and positioning, but other than that, it is really not of much practical use. Yes, there are many photos of people "before and after" alexander in particular positions, but that wasn't enough for my $13.

If you are looking to see how alexander can be applied to your life, maybe then this book would provide some value, but in truth, the Gelb book does a better job doing that anyway.

67 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to the Alexander Technique, July 16, 1998

By A Customer

This is a great book for anyone who has heard about the many benefits of the Alexander Technique and would like to find out what it is. The Alexander Technique is often described in very mysterious terms when, in fact, it's quite a simple and practical process. And a very powerful process of self-transformation. Brennan's book is particularly valuable for the newcommer because of its great photographs. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this is certainly true for explaining the ideas of the Alexander Technique. The book also shows how the Alexander Technique can help with various specific activities. It also has some very interesting case histories. If you have an interest in learning more about the Alexander Technique, I'd get this book. Two other good introductions are "Body Learning" by Michael Gelb and "Fitness Without Stress - A Guide to the Alexander Technique" by Robert Rickover.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both health libraries and general-interest collections will find this invaluable., February 6, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your Life (Paperback)

Any who struggle with posture issues will find THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE MANUAL: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR POSTURE AND YOUR LIFE goes beyond the usual admonitions and shows how to release muscular tension, learn new ways of sitting, standing and moving, and relieve common aches. Large color photos show how individuals can achieve their own chiropractic-type adjustments, increase sensitivity to movement choices, and learn new techniques. Both health libraries and general-interest collections will find this invaluable.