Customer Reviews

Free Yourself from Back Pain: A guide to the Alexander Technique

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although the book had excellent reviews and is quite interesting, it did not seem to me to tell you much about the 'what to do' part of correcting bad posture. It seems you have to go to an Alexander technique tutor. I can appreciate that it is difficult (as the book says so) but I would have expected a little more help from it in terms of practical tips. I don't think it really lives up to the part of the title that says 'A guide to the Alexander Technique' - unless you condense it down to 'find a tutor' (and spend a lot of money - they all seem to say you need umpteen lessons to get anywhere).

Having had lessons in Alexander Technique from the author Noel Kingsley I was confident that the text would be a very helpful guide to the technique and to avoiding back pain, but when I received my copy I was delighted not only to find my confidence justified, but also to be thoroughly impressed with the clarity of the presentation.

Excellent photos and illustrations accompany the clear text and ensure that both the logic of Alexander Technique and the practical exercises are easy-to-follow even for those not well versed in the subject.

In summary, I thoroughly recommend the book to all those who are keen to avoid back pain, whether or not they are already familiar with Alexander Technique.

Noel Kingsley's book is the first truly comprehensive and accessible book about the Technique that I have seen. It really brings home the fact that the Alexander Technique is for life, for every day and for everyone, not some weird inaccessible discipline used by actors. The photos are great, and show clearly how easy it is to put unnecessary pressure on the muscles and skeleton just by doing something as simple as picking up the shopping. A must for anyone who's always wondered about the Alexander Technique and whether it's for them.

This book is a brilliant introduction to the Alexander Technique and also acts as an aide-memoire for anyone who is already familiar with the technique. I have already given it as a present to friends who suffer from a range of problems which can be helped by understanding the technique. It works because the photos properly illustrate and expand on the text - just one look at the pictures of slumped teenagers and workers straining to look at their screens would be enough to convince anyone that we have to think about how to cope with our modern environment. This book puts the technique in everybody's reach - and I keep it near me all the time.

Upon first opening Noel Kingsley's "Free Yourself from Back Pain" I was immediately struck by the fact that this is an "aide memoire" for everyone with a curiosity or interest in the Alexander Technique, from complete newcomers, pupils, those who have had lessons previously, those considering teacher training and current trainee teachers, and indeed teachers. It demystifies the Alexander Technique, bringing its principles into our consciousness and stressing that it provides a "means whereby" we can all achieve that which is indeed "Man's supreme inheritance". The clear photography accompanying the text is excellent.

If I were reading this book for the first time, it would definitely encourage me to take lessons. I have had many lessons with Noel Kingsley and his knowledge and experience of and enthuasiasm for the Alexander Technique are all conveyed in this excellent book.

My discovery of Noel Kingsley's first book "Perfect Poise Pefect Life" led me to have many lessons with him as a pupil and its subtitle, "changing lives", describes how the Alexander Technique continues to help me. This, his second book, will accompany me during the remainder of my teacher training and beyond.

Didn't get much useful information from it but it gives a reasonable run down on Alex techniques. three more words

My wife, for whom this book was ordered, thinks it is a most helpful book. She has dipped into it on several recent occasions and is trying to implement some of the suggestions made.

I have been practicing the Alexander Technique with different teachers for many years both in England in France where I now live and I have never come across a clearer,better written and illustrated and frankly more inspiring account of the way it can help anyone wiling to study it. I am often asked by friends to recommend ideas for Alexander practice and while nothing beats a few sessions with Noel Kingsley himself, this book comes as near as it's possible to get to working one on one with him in his own studio.

Noel Kingsley's book is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes mystifying world of the Alexander Technique. I read this book at one sitting,a testament to its accessibility, but it is equally a book to savour. It is sumptuosly produced, full of practical advice, with every carefully crafted photograph matching the text precisley. Noel writes in a clear, engaging style suited to every reader, whether or not they be acquainted with the Technique. I found it a pleasurabe, inspiring read and it will endure as an aide memoir reminding and encouraging me to look after myself that little bit better.

Good easy to understand advice. This was a gift for someone else so I don't know a great deal about it other than that they were happy with the help and information it provided.