New Class: Om’ Style Pilates at Elemental Om by Kristen Fryer

Over the past couple of years I have wanted to combine the fundamentals of Pilates and The Alexander Technique into a movement class. What I have come to realize as a teacher is that I can never copy someone else’s teaching style without leaving some of my own knowledge out. As much as I like a pure Pilates class or a straight Alexander lesson, I feel incomplete as a teacher without combining the two. These two modalities are so much a part of me that to separate them feels inauthentic. The new class “Om’ Style Pilates” brings The Alexander Technique and Pilates to life in a yoga environment. So, what can you gain from this class? Judging from the feedback I’ve received, a lot. Firstly, we incorporate fundamental Alexander principles that I have only seen taught by Alexander teachers. Mainly, how to stop doing movements that are undesirable. Becoming aware of how you over use your muscles before engaging them in a workout. This is a unique approach that is … Continue reading

Alexander Teacher gets new perspectives on the Technique from World Class Alexander Teacher

~by Kristen Fryer For those of you who have barely even heard the term Alexander Technique, you are blissfully unaware of our trade organizations and our differences. To you we are one TINY Alexander family. For us, there are wonderful realms and chasms to explore within different organizations, teachers trained by other masters and teachers who apply the technique to other modalities. For instance, I am an Alexander Teacher who applies The Alexander Technique to her Pilates’ clients and energy healing modalities and one of my good friends applies the technique to musicians and stage fright. … Continue reading

Non-Doing: The Alexander Technique’s Guide to Self Awareness

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by Kristen Fryer ~ Non-Doing, otherwise known as inhibition or unlearning, might normally be considered a negative ideal to pursue.  Who is really interested in spending time unlearning, not doing and being inhibited?  No, people are much more enthusiastic about what your doing, what you’ve been learning, and hope that you are fully engaged in life and not being inhibited!  I confess, I too see the logic in the case for ‘doing’.  It definitely resonates deep in the recesses of my Aries nature to be involved in as many activities as I can squeeze into one lifetime.  Now you might be sensing that this conversation is about to make a case for non-doing and it is.  You might be wondering how I can even waste my breath defending it but I will and I hope you will stay to see The Alexander Techniques philosophy about non-doing and how much value it can bring to people’s lives.  It certainly has saved mine!!! Non-Doing is The Alexander Techniques’ Guide to self-awareness. … Continue reading