In case you’re lacking the sensation of lightness and ease that comes after an in-person Alexander lesson, there’s assist at hand. Dutch musician and Alexander Approach trainer Maaike Aarts has developed Suppose Up – an Alexander app with 98 quick audio guides which you could hearken to at dwelling or on the transfer.
I’ve been utilizing it every day over the previous couple of weeks and might extremely suggest it, particularly in the event you’ve already had some Alexander classes. You should utilize it as a refresher or to maintain you going between classes or in the event you can’t get to see a trainer throughout the pandemic.
5 of the audio guides are free, so you may obtain and pattern it to see if it fits you. The remaining audio guides come in the event you pay a month-to-month subscription (presently 4.99 euros/month).
A few the guides are solely 2 or 3 minutes lengthy, reminiscent of a every day warm-up on your ankle joints or strolling backwards to connect with your again. Most are round 10 minutes lengthy and I’ve discovered them straightforward to suit into my day, both to make use of after I’m doing my Alexander energetic relaxation or to make me extra acutely aware and conscious of myself in motion or earlier than an exercise.
The ten sections of the app cowl on a regular basis actions or give attention to elements or actions of the physique:
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introduction to primary Alexander rules (5 guides)
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mendacity down in energetic relaxation (12 guides)
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every day heat up (13 guides)
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every day life actions (21 guides)
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breath and voice (7 guides)
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pc gadgets (7 guides)
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travelling (7 guides)
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music (12 guides)
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sport (9 guides)
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sleeping (5 guides)
I discovered Maaike’s voice clear, calm and simple to hearken to, and she or he permits loads of time to absorb every instruction. I nearly had a way she was within the room with me. She breaks down every session so there’s not an excessive amount of to soak up if a motion or thought is unfamiliar. There’s a lot to select from on the app relying in your wants and pursuits – I’ve discovered a pair on spiralling instructions for legs and arms useful, and I’ve picked up ideas from Maaike’s biking expertise to make use of after I’m out on my bike.
In case you’re prone to be travelling by airplane within the close to future, there’s a wonderful 10-minute information on surviving any chair form and methods to preserve cell and keep away from stiffness once you’re flying. I’ve additionally used a number of the guides on utilizing a pc, on varied facets of sleeping and on respiratory and voice. I’ve really helpful the app to my college students as a method to take care of and assist themselves between classes or once they want an additional reminder.
One of the best ways to study the Alexander Approach from scratch is to discover a trainer and have a sequence of classes. This app will allow you to in between periods to bolster and complement your studying.
The Suppose Up app is on the market for Apple and Android