King's College Choir

Ann teaches the Choral Scholars in Kings College Choir during term time.

Angelina Turner

Undoing bad postural habits and finding new ways to release tension helped Angelina Turner with frequent headaches. Her new approach – thanks to a series of lessons in the Alexander Technique – also helped her through pregnancy.

'I had bad morning sickness for several months. But in the final trimester I was surprisingly well, with none of the backache, heartburn or indigestion other people seem to get. We attributed it to the Technique because I was standing and moving properly, not putting undue strain on my body.'

'It's more than relaxation. It's a way to release muscles so you put your body in the optimal position – a way of realigning yourself,' she adds.

Jan Gannon

Jan has suffered from low back/leg pain since 2006. As the pain got worse, she was eventually referred for an MRI scan which revealed a large central disc protrusion to be the cause of her constant pain.

‘It was initially recommended that I try Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Pilates – all with little success.’ The Pain Clinic at Addenbrookes then suggested she consider the Alexander Technique in conjunction with on-going medication.

‘Following an introductory session I decided to book a series of lessons. The benefits have been immense and I have learnt so much. Ann showed me that I have choices both physically and mentally, which apply to all areas of my life; sitting, standing, walking, driving, reaching, bending, picking up, putting down, keyboard work, telephone answering - you name it – my choices are endless!

I’m particularly delighted with the semi-supine rest position which I have incorporated into my daily routine. This is a way of relaxing, focussing and giving my back a much needed "drink" after a hard day at the office!

My condition will not improve but I am definitely controlling the pain much better. I would whole-heartedly recommend AT for whatever concerns us as individuals. I know I, for one, truly look forward to continuing my education with this Technique.’

Nuala King

As well as looking after her eight year old daughter, Nuala King works part-time as a dentist in Cambridge and part-time as an airline pilot for easyJet based at Stansted airport.

‘I have really enjoyed having Alexander lessons with Ann in Cambridge. I feel I have grown about six inches taller! My flexibility and strength have increased too.

Ann takes the time to explore how tiny changes in the way we do things can make a big difference to how effective our everyday activities can be.’

Paul Sales

The Alexander Technique has enabled former professional golfer Paul Sales to dramatically improve his posture – and relieve back pain in the process.

‘After years spent practising the game, I had become very round shouldered and stooped,' says Paul, 60, who is a Cambridgeshire County Councillor and a keen fisherman, another activity that affected his posture.

‘As a councillor I do a lot of sitting in meetings – the chairs can be uncomfortable – and I was getting back pain. I'd heard of the Technique and decided to do something about my dreadful posture.

‘One of the most valuable things I've learned from teacher Ann O'Brien is how to correct my bad habits and sit properly,' says Paul, who has been taking lessons for around nine months. ‘Now I can sit effortlessly for long periods of time. Ann has also taught me a technique for lying down, which has brought a lot of relief.'

Ann Jarvis

When Ann Jarvis was told in a routine performance appraisal that she needed to build up her confidence, she decided to do something about it.

Thanks to a series of lessons in the Alexander Technique, Ann's confidence improved. Nowadays she is more likely to make her presence felt in meetings and she feels the Technique helped her to become more visible in a professional way.

Moreover she not only discovered a new, assertive side to her personality, she also gained half an inch in height ! ‘Learning the Alexander Technique improved my posture no end.' says Ann.

'Eighteen months on, I still use the Technique and it always does what I want it to do, whether it's for relaxation or posture - and therefore confidence.  I'm sure it improves my concentration too, because I have to focus my mind whilst doing it'.

Peter Davies

If you're an office worker who spends long hours at your desk or in front of a computer, the Alexander Technique could help you correct bad postural habits.

Peter, who is 6'4”, says: ‘At my height, if you're dealing with shorter people you try not to be overpowering, so there's a tendency towards bad posture. The Technique has helped me to overcome that tendency.'

Helen Stokes

IT professional Helen Stokes started Alexander lessons to relieve on-going neck and shoulder pain and to help her posture. She found that it also helped to improve her confidence and ability to tackle the stresses and strains of everyday life.

'The Alexander Technique has improved my standard of living. I always used to have a sore neck because I tried to hide down in my shoulders. My neck cracked and creaked all the time - now I don't even think about it. I've developed the habit of thinking up.'

'I use the Technique all the time - sitting at my desk, walking, standing, dealing with interruptions at work, clearing my head so I can think straight, at the gym.'

Cedric Carpenter

'My background is amateur dramatics, which I've been involved in for over thirty years. I'm aged 72 and I originally consulted Ann about my stooping posture, which is now much improved. My breath control is better and I find it easier to conquer "first night" nerves.'

'As I've become more engrossed in Alexander Technique I've come to realise in how many normal day-to-day situations the technique can be used to avoid tiredness and stress. It's very useful to know, for example, how to relax when driving and delays start to cause stress or anxiety.'