I've taught many seniors — up to 97 years of age — as private students and in close to 100 group classes at the Penn South Program for Seniors. Through this experience, I've developed an awareness of the particular needs and concerns of my older adult students.
If you're aging (and who isn't?), you will find that the Alexander Technique helps you resolve or avoid problems like these:
- Stooped posture
- Unreliable balance
- Fear of falling
- Stiff movements
- Lack of confidence
- Poor breathing
The Alexander Technique also helps you reduce or eliminate many types of pain:
- Painful joints
- Back or neck pain
- Sciatica
- Pain in the hands or feet
The Alexander Technique can help you if you have difficulty with
- Getting in and out of chairs
- Walking
- Bending down
- Lifting
In your Alexander Technique lessons, I will use a very gentle approach customized to your individual abilities. You will learn how to take care of yourself in all your daily activities, reducing pain, tension, and susceptibility to injury.
No matter what your age, the Alexander Technique will give you tools to age vibrantly. Be sure to mention my senior discount when you call to schedule a lesson.
I came to Michael with sciatica and low back pain from a disintegrating disc that physical therapy had not helped all that much. Michael has shown me a healthier way of walking and bending and doing my daily stretches that makes my pains go away. Now I can even squat down to the floor and stay there without discomfort — not bad for 75! It's wonderful to experience these changes without having to resort to surgery.
—Muriel Blumenfeld, Private Student
I appreciated your positive attitude in working with us. Many group members have physical limitations, but your manner and approach was to see and work with us in terms of what we COULD do. You tapped into our curiosity, our willingness to be open and learn. Few people recognize these qualities in older folks.
—Harvey Pincus, Class Participant
As I age, I become aware of physical changes. Standing and sitting straight turns into slouching. Walking is no longer with firm and solid steps, but a shuffle. It's a painful stretch to reach for objects.
The Alexander Technique redirects me from wrong habitual ways of using my body into using it gracefully, easily, into coordinating thought with physical action.
—Janina Hannum, Class Participant