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Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique
Michael J. Gelb reveals the methods behind Frederick Matthias Alexander’s groundbreaking health exercise regimen in Body An Introduction to the Alexander Technique .
The Alexander Technique is now recognized the world over as the most revolutionary and far-reaching method developed for maintaining the health and efficiency of the body. Essentially a type of therapy that aims to treat and prevent a range of disorders through a system of postural changes, the Technique stresses the importance of reeducating the muscular system as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being. By unlearning common bad postural habits and ways of using the body, people can alleviate tension, fatigue, back pain, neck stiffness, asthma, headaches, depression, and many other ailments.
Body Learning also shows how the Technique can be applied to every kind of learning experience, from children’s education and the acquiring of basic skills to the most advanced needs of musicians, entertainers, professionals, and athletes.
This revised and updated edition
* Answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Technique
* Further adventures in learning how to learn
* The Balanced Resting State an aid to dynamic relaxation
* Glossary of significant terms
* And much more
The Alexander Technique is now recognized the world over as the most revolutionary and far-reaching method developed for maintaining the health and efficiency of the body. Essentially a type of therapy that aims to treat and prevent a range of disorders through a system of postural changes, the Technique stresses the importance of reeducating the muscular system as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being. By unlearning common bad postural habits and ways of using the body, people can alleviate tension, fatigue, back pain, neck stiffness, asthma, headaches, depression, and many other ailments.
Body Learning also shows how the Technique can be applied to every kind of learning experience, from children’s education and the acquiring of basic skills to the most advanced needs of musicians, entertainers, professionals, and athletes.
This revised and updated edition
* Answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Technique
* Further adventures in learning how to learn
* The Balanced Resting State an aid to dynamic relaxation
* Glossary of significant terms
* And much more
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1987
88 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Gelb
37 books174 followersThe world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development, Michael J. Gelb is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, innovative leadership and executive coaching. His clients include DuPont, Emerson, Genentech, KPMG, Merck, Microsoft, Nike and YPO.
Michael is a Senior Fellow at The Center for Humanistic Management and a member of the Leading People and Organizations Advisory Board at the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business. Michael was also awarded a Batten Fellowship in Innovation from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business, and he co-directed the acclaimed Leading Innovation Seminar there for more than 10 years. Michael was honored as “Brain of the Year” (1999) by the Brain Trust Charity – other recipients include Steven Hawking, Garry Kasparov and Edward De Bono.
Michael is the author of 17 books including How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, Discover Your Genius, Innovate Like Edison, and The Art of Connection: 7 Relationship Building Skills Every Leader Needs Now.
Michael’s books have been translated into 25 languages and have sold more than one million copies. Recent releases include The Healing Organization: Awakening the Conscience of Business to Help Save the World, co-authored with Prof. Raj Sisodia, and Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: 8 Secrets to Transform Fear and Supercharge Your Career.
FUN FACTS
Author, Speaker, Consultant, Juggler!
A professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Gelb introduced the idea of teaching juggling to promote accelerated learning and team-building. He is the author of The 5 Keys to High Performance: Juggling Your Way to Success.
A passionate wine lover, Gelb is the originator of a unique and enjoyable approach to teambuilding as expressed in Wine Drinking For Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices.
Michael trained as a teacher of the Alexander Technique, (the method taught at The Juilliard School for cultivating commanding stage presence), while completing his Masters degree. His thesis became his first book – Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique.
A fifth degree black belt in the martial art of Aikido, Gelb is co-author with Grandmaster Raymond Keene, of Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategic Thinking Through the Martial Art of the Mind.
Michael is a Senior Fellow at The Center for Humanistic Management and a member of the Leading People and Organizations Advisory Board at the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business. Michael was also awarded a Batten Fellowship in Innovation from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business, and he co-directed the acclaimed Leading Innovation Seminar there for more than 10 years. Michael was honored as “Brain of the Year” (1999) by the Brain Trust Charity – other recipients include Steven Hawking, Garry Kasparov and Edward De Bono.
Michael is the author of 17 books including How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, Discover Your Genius, Innovate Like Edison, and The Art of Connection: 7 Relationship Building Skills Every Leader Needs Now.
Michael’s books have been translated into 25 languages and have sold more than one million copies. Recent releases include The Healing Organization: Awakening the Conscience of Business to Help Save the World, co-authored with Prof. Raj Sisodia, and Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: 8 Secrets to Transform Fear and Supercharge Your Career.
FUN FACTS
Author, Speaker, Consultant, Juggler!
A professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Gelb introduced the idea of teaching juggling to promote accelerated learning and team-building. He is the author of The 5 Keys to High Performance: Juggling Your Way to Success.
A passionate wine lover, Gelb is the originator of a unique and enjoyable approach to teambuilding as expressed in Wine Drinking For Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices.
Michael trained as a teacher of the Alexander Technique, (the method taught at The Juilliard School for cultivating commanding stage presence), while completing his Masters degree. His thesis became his first book – Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique.
A fifth degree black belt in the martial art of Aikido, Gelb is co-author with Grandmaster Raymond Keene, of Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategic Thinking Through the Martial Art of the Mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 30, 2015
I think of the Alexander Technique as a holistic, Western method for opening yourself up to the Taoist notion of Wu Wei, or the psychological notion of Flow. It can aid and compliment other systems and beliefs, and it is a concrete tool to help us live up to our full potential, physically and mentally. I have just barely dipped my toes into this practice and already I have begun to break from my habitual postures of mind and body I find myself more susceptible to grace and even compassion. The experience has been profound and uncanny. Obviously not everyone is going to be inclined to get into this stuff.... but if you have a lot of chronic pain or if you are having trouble developing some skill or practice elsewhere in your life or career, or even if you just want to change some habits, the Alexander Technique is a groovy way to go about your healing and development. Want to learn to sing? Roller skate backwards? Quit smoking? Speed read? Paint? Speak a new language? It helps you do or learn whatever it is that you want to do or learn.
This book isn't going to be very meaningful without private lessons.
This book isn't going to be very meaningful without private lessons.
February 7, 2008
We hold our life's history in our bodies. Physical trauma, stress, bad habits all contribute to our posture, breathing, and ultimately our well-being. This book is a fine introduction to the Alexander Technique, a process of understanding the impact of that history and how to bring balance and alignment back into the body. Not a book just for dancers, but for anyone who wants to better inhabit their body.
July 26, 2019
A former student who went on to study acting in college recommended the Alexander Technique to me, so I bought this book. After reading the whole book, I’ve learned that the Alexander technique isn’t really something you can teach yourself; rather, you need to take lessons with a teacher specifically trained in the Alexander technique. 🤷🏼♀️ Oh well. The book was a bit dry, but I read a few pages every night before bed and it put me to sleep, so that’s a good thing.
September 30, 2009
Just starting my first class in Alexander Technique, so can't profess to know how thorough or insightful Gelb's book is, but it's answered a lot of questions about where the Technique came from, what it is, and (perhaps most importantly) what it is not. Intriguing anecdotes and some inspiring possibilities arise throughout. Excited to see what I might discover of myself through class this fall.
October 4, 2018
Insightful, but a tad too repetitive at times.
March 25, 2025
I first read this book while pursuing a masters in vocal performance over 10 years ago (!!), and I remember at the time it was very in vogue for singers to dabble in Alexander Technique (or at least take an elective course on it). But I surprisingly didn’t think I connected much to the subject matter at the time…which tracks for most subjects I engaged with in competitive collegiate settings.
Cut to 10 years later: I reread this book to prepare a research presentation for an intensive massage therapy licensing program. This time, I devoured the book in a matter of hours.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked as a singer and actor across the country and around the world (namely on a cruise ship) for over a decade, pretty much right up until the pandemic. With Alexander Technique being a subtle life’s-long practice into “undoing” our earliest formed habits and behaviors of physical and emotional compensations, perhaps that intro course actually did stay with me all along — an imperceptible undercurrent to my everyday life that aided in my stamina, stability, and longevity as a performer and otherwise active individual. Reading this book today felt warm and familiar, even reinforcing work I’ve done to recover through recent personal setbacks and major physical injuries. Reading this book again, I felt grateful, and at ease.
Am I suddenly a guru? Hell no! But through its concise histories balanced with interesting and instructive anecdotes, this book left me inspired to more consciously explore the Alexander Technique “now” and going forward, a life’s journey and not just the “endgain”
(4 out of 5 stars, because I think a 3rd edition would benefit the book, if that’s even in the cards)
Cut to 10 years later: I reread this book to prepare a research presentation for an intensive massage therapy licensing program. This time, I devoured the book in a matter of hours.
I’ve been fortunate to have worked as a singer and actor across the country and around the world (namely on a cruise ship) for over a decade, pretty much right up until the pandemic. With Alexander Technique being a subtle life’s-long practice into “undoing” our earliest formed habits and behaviors of physical and emotional compensations, perhaps that intro course actually did stay with me all along — an imperceptible undercurrent to my everyday life that aided in my stamina, stability, and longevity as a performer and otherwise active individual. Reading this book today felt warm and familiar, even reinforcing work I’ve done to recover through recent personal setbacks and major physical injuries. Reading this book again, I felt grateful, and at ease.
Am I suddenly a guru? Hell no! But through its concise histories balanced with interesting and instructive anecdotes, this book left me inspired to more consciously explore the Alexander Technique “now” and going forward, a life’s journey and not just the “endgain”
(4 out of 5 stars, because I think a 3rd edition would benefit the book, if that’s even in the cards)
November 15, 2024
Maybe somewhere between a 3.25 and a 3.5 rounded down.
There is some good stuff in here, especially coming from it with the perspective of acting and needing to be free in your body and your choices to create genuine spontaneity in a scene, but that doesn't mean I can get behind everything in this book. Whether the intent or not, because sometimes it seems Gelb addresses otherwise, but it seems implied that AT could solve genuine disorders and disability and that it is your misuse that is causing these ailments. I'm sure this can apply to SOME ailments, but I don't believe it's going to change if someone has asthma or depression and it feels a little dismissive to imply otherwise. Not to mention that some of the language also used in here feels generally insensitive.
This book is also not for everyone. Despite being an "Introduction to Alexander Technique" I don't think you're going to get much out of this book at all if you've never studied Alexander Technique under a teacher as so much of what is referenced must be first experienced to be understood or is not defined in a true-beginner friendly manner.
With that said, if you are someone familiar with Alexander Technique, this feels like a helpful reference for remembering things that perhaps have since been forgotten from lessons previous and can be a good tool to keep in your pocket for continuing your craft and your day-to-day in giving your body freedom and the ability to choose.
There is some good stuff in here, especially coming from it with the perspective of acting and needing to be free in your body and your choices to create genuine spontaneity in a scene, but that doesn't mean I can get behind everything in this book. Whether the intent or not, because sometimes it seems Gelb addresses otherwise, but it seems implied that AT could solve genuine disorders and disability and that it is your misuse that is causing these ailments. I'm sure this can apply to SOME ailments, but I don't believe it's going to change if someone has asthma or depression and it feels a little dismissive to imply otherwise. Not to mention that some of the language also used in here feels generally insensitive.
This book is also not for everyone. Despite being an "Introduction to Alexander Technique" I don't think you're going to get much out of this book at all if you've never studied Alexander Technique under a teacher as so much of what is referenced must be first experienced to be understood or is not defined in a true-beginner friendly manner.
With that said, if you are someone familiar with Alexander Technique, this feels like a helpful reference for remembering things that perhaps have since been forgotten from lessons previous and can be a good tool to keep in your pocket for continuing your craft and your day-to-day in giving your body freedom and the ability to choose.
May 21, 2022
My child learned of the Alexander method in dance classes they took as an undergraduate. They showed my wife and I the Balanced Resting State exercise (at the end of the book), and it’s been helpful in alleviating some of the usual neck and back aches that come with being 52.
I’m glad I read the book and didn’t just use the one exercise thinking (naively) that I was ‘doing’ the Alexander technique. I had merely drunk a thimbleful from a deep and wide lake.
In essence, the Alexander method is an approach to living intended to free one from habitual actions; bodily movements that put stress on the body and of which we give no thought. Well, we do in a sense, when we complain of muscle pain or chronic aches.
The method emphasizes the concept of inhibition - consciously not reacting or responding in movement to a stimulus (loud noise, traffic jam, etc) while maintaining our balanced state. No easy task! The act of tensing your muscles in irritability at traffic is an action, and smaller and quicker than I realized before. But I think it worthy of the effort as I’ve seen small improvements in my own common neck aches and my child’s scoliosis causes them much less issue than before they learned and began practicing the Alexander technique.
I’m glad I read the book and didn’t just use the one exercise thinking (naively) that I was ‘doing’ the Alexander technique. I had merely drunk a thimbleful from a deep and wide lake.
In essence, the Alexander method is an approach to living intended to free one from habitual actions; bodily movements that put stress on the body and of which we give no thought. Well, we do in a sense, when we complain of muscle pain or chronic aches.
The method emphasizes the concept of inhibition - consciously not reacting or responding in movement to a stimulus (loud noise, traffic jam, etc) while maintaining our balanced state. No easy task! The act of tensing your muscles in irritability at traffic is an action, and smaller and quicker than I realized before. But I think it worthy of the effort as I’ve seen small improvements in my own common neck aches and my child’s scoliosis causes them much less issue than before they learned and began practicing the Alexander technique.
March 28, 2018
Along the path I started to separate body and mind, and basically operate entirely from mind. This lead to Burnout, back pain, neck ache and many other symptoms. Much of this ultimately developed due to my incorrect perception of mind and body distinct from one another.
In seeking to recover I have explored this dislocation, and can thoroughly recommend this book, read alongside Alexander Technique lessons, as part of a solution.
Each of us will bring different particulars that 'need work', but AT is rare in that, if you're keen to develop, you will benefit. It is as valuable as meditation has been in my healing.
This book is a pleasure to read alongside lessons, and goes into just enough detail in a broad spectrum of aspects to inform and teach. Quotes from the likes of Huxley, Emerson, and mentions of C G Jung make me all the more enthusiastic to reread. A gem.
Woody Hayday
In seeking to recover I have explored this dislocation, and can thoroughly recommend this book, read alongside Alexander Technique lessons, as part of a solution.
Each of us will bring different particulars that 'need work', but AT is rare in that, if you're keen to develop, you will benefit. It is as valuable as meditation has been in my healing.
This book is a pleasure to read alongside lessons, and goes into just enough detail in a broad spectrum of aspects to inform and teach. Quotes from the likes of Huxley, Emerson, and mentions of C G Jung make me all the more enthusiastic to reread. A gem.
Woody Hayday
February 20, 2019
This is a great introduction to the Alexander Technique, including its history, what it is (and isn't), and different ways its study can improve one's life. But what it mostly effectively is is a sales pitch — a good one, but not itself much in the way of instruction, as it really needs to be taught directly by an Alexander-certified teacher. That's something I would love to try, especially after reading this, but don't currently have access to (geographically or financially).
Four stars because it is exactly what it purports to be, and is very easily readable, but loses a star for only being so helpful.
Four stars because it is exactly what it purports to be, and is very easily readable, but loses a star for only being so helpful.
April 25, 2020
I really liked this book and liked my Alexander Technique course. I think the book is tremendously responsible in refusing to give any "at home" ways to practice AT - instead, insisting that everyone get private lessons.
I really liked the final chapters of the book where the author references Taoist readings - especially one quote that says "quality, the result, is a function of quality, the process"
I really liked the final chapters of the book where the author references Taoist readings - especially one quote that says "quality, the result, is a function of quality, the process"
August 9, 2023
I read this for summer reading at my acting conservatory. I’m quite interested and excited in the prospect of diving into the Alexander Technique as an actor. I did, however, find this book a little archaic and was not a fan of the western central tone or the subtle ablism the author supplied. The information about the technique and the history of it was useful though!
April 19, 2025
This one I read pretty quick but will be one that I keep to refer back to overtime. As somebody who is having AT sessions and learning how to practice it in every day life I find the whole theory fascinating. This book talks a lot about Alexander himself and it was good to feel more connected to him as I continue my journey of self discovery and inner healing
September 4, 2022
I’m cautiously optimistic about this different modality. I can see how the basic principles could work however without a good teacher and an open mind it is likely to be another method that falls flat. We shall see……
September 11, 2017
Not much actionable here. Mostly encourages you to see a professional
May 9, 2019
Enlightening.
Read
July 29, 2019Un guide pour le développement des vertus léonardiennes du maintien, de la présence et de la grâce.
June 10, 2020
Unexpectedly applicable to more than performance. Excellent written resource for AT students.
July 3, 2020
Excellent. This is a complete introduction and explanation of Alexander Technique. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the man and his discoveries.
May 30, 2022
All the book told me was that I wouldn’t be able to learn anything from reading the book
October 21, 2023
Pretty heady but a thorough overview of the theory and applications. Looking for something a little more hands-on.
July 11, 2025
A very good introductory book on the Alexander Technique.
May 13, 2020
I wish I could give this a 0/5
Pseudoscientific, lo key racist (other-ing of cultures, esp those of east Asia) and very myopic book.
Written without proper references, quotation, or (it seems) any notion of literary integrity. Reads like a pompous 11th grader (who really hates english but loves PE)'s essay.
Do yourself a favour; remove this book from your curriculum. Don't read it. You'll lose braincells. You'll make your students lose braincells and waste a good chunk of their tuition. There are MUCH better, in-depth, comprehensive, researched, updated titles and texts to build an Alexander Technique class around.
Pseudoscientific, lo key racist (other-ing of cultures, esp those of east Asia) and very myopic book.
Written without proper references, quotation, or (it seems) any notion of literary integrity. Reads like a pompous 11th grader (who really hates english but loves PE)'s essay.
Do yourself a favour; remove this book from your curriculum. Don't read it. You'll lose braincells. You'll make your students lose braincells and waste a good chunk of their tuition. There are MUCH better, in-depth, comprehensive, researched, updated titles and texts to build an Alexander Technique class around.
September 9, 2014
A great introduction, this book serves to open your mind to the condition you are in. I can fully understand that one would need Alexander lessons from a trained professional in order to really learn the techniques and the correct Use of their body. This book was great for giving an idea of what the Alexander Technique is, and for simple awareness of one's own body.
April 4, 2008
This is a good introduction to the Alexander technique, which stresses efficiency of motion and is especially useful for musicians, actors and people with repetitive stress injuries. After reading this book you'll see movement differently.
November 22, 2012
Good theoretical teachings of the Alexander Technique. To truly learn the technique, I would recommend a trained professional... sometimes it is not really possible to know how to truly repair the posture and body without assistance.
February 23, 2015
As a Soldier, athlete, father, writer, student, and active human being, I'm always looking for ways to get the most out of my time, my body, and my mind.
This technique is one that I've applied in all aspects of my life and this book provides a solid introduction to it.
This technique is one that I've applied in all aspects of my life and this book provides a solid introduction to it.
August 8, 2007
Good introduction. Must read if you are interested in the Alexander Technique.
December 20, 2007
Brief intro to the theories of F.M. Alexander, who emphasized importance of controlling the body to unlearn bad habits that harm posture and health.
March 11, 2009
Best book written about the Alexander Technique. Besides being good, having excellent photographs, the language is very readable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews