How many times do we lift our arms and use our hands throughout the day? Countless times, and every time we lift them we want to utilize principles of the Alexander Technique, and remember Alexander Technique instructions. First, the primary directions: I wish my neck to be free, to allow my head to move forward and up, my torso to lengthen and widen, my legs to move away from my torso, and my shoulders to release out the sides. We want to start any movement with releasing muscles rather than contracting them; releasing into length.
As you keep the directions going, think of lengthening the arms down to the fingertips. Then lift the fingertips a few inches. This will cause the elbow to bend (instead of the elbow bending to raise the fingertips!)
Notice if your neck or shoulders have become needlessly involved. Notice if you are prematurely using your biceps. See if you can do as little as necessary to lift your hand. After you do this with one hand, switch. You might find the second hand easier because with the Alexander Technique you’re really working with your thinking, rather than just the arms or the hands.
At some point, still thinking of all these ideas, you could lift your hand all the way up to the computer keyboard, or your nose, or anywhere else with a minimum amount of tension.
Mark Josefsberg– Alexander Technique NYC
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Hi mark,
i loved this post.
First move the fingers next move the elbow(instead of moving the elbow to move fingers)
thanks for this preventive suggession.
Hi,
Thank you! Yes, preventive suggestions is a great way to phrase it. The great Alexander Technique teacher Walter Carrington said that directions, especially the primary directions, are all preventive. The Alexander Technique idea of moving the fingertips is very useful, and especially useful for people with back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain.