Samantha Appleyard, BA (Hons) MSc ACLIP
My sessions with Loretta have been transformative.
Having been into fitness for many years and rapidly developed in my career, I considered myself pretty tuned in to my body and pretty good at dealing with stress. However I was totally stumped this year by the exams to gain my motorcycle licence, in which nerves were having a direct impact on my technique. I suspected tension was affecting brain and body and it had to stop. I read a book on the Alexander Technique and called upon Loretta for help.
In our first session Loretta’s friendly but professional manner instantly gained my trust and her calm demeanour was infectious even before we got started. Her approach has since increased my awareness of many subtle but problematic habits that I wouldn’t have otherwise spotted, and has both taught and motivated me to develop good new habits. Within weeks I had passed my exams, and within months surpassed my own expectations, progressing to advanced riding techniques and tours with a new level of calm and enjoyment. Meanwhile, the techniques are there throughout my life, improving my relationships and leadership too.
Loretta is a first-class teacher who exudes positivity and professionalism, and every session is a delightful combination of relaxation and discovery. Try it and you will be hooked!
My sessions with Loretta have been transformative.
Having been into fitness for many years and rapidly developed in my career, I considered myself pretty tuned in to my body and pretty good at dealing with stress. However I was totally stumped this year by the exams to gain my motorcycle licence, in which nerves were having a direct impact on my technique. I suspected tension was affecting brain and body and it had to stop. I read a book on the Alexander Technique and called upon Loretta for help.
In our first session Loretta’s friendly but professional manner instantly gained my trust and her calm demeanour was infectious even before we got started. Her approach has since increased my awareness of many subtle but problematic habits that I wouldn’t have otherwise spotted, and has both taught and motivated me to develop good new habits. Within weeks I had passed my exams, and within months surpassed my own expectations, progressing to advanced riding techniques and tours with a new level of calm and enjoyment. Meanwhile, the techniques are there throughout my life, improving my relationships and leadership too.
Loretta is a first-class teacher who exudes positivity and professionalism, and every session is a delightful combination of relaxation and discovery. Try it and you will be hooked!
David - EC2
As a teenager I was very aware of my poor posture and was increasingly worried this would worsen as I got older. My doctor referred me to a physiotherapist to help reduce the affect of mild kypho lordosis (curvature of the spine) but this didn't have any positive long term impact. Fortunately a friend of mine recommended the Alexander Technique.
My first lesson was very different to what I expected as there weren't any rigorous stretching exercises or difficult poses. The lesson was much more about relaxing and undoing the bad habits which were exacerbating the kypho lordosis rather than bashing it into shape through rigorous exercise. It was actually a very pleasurable experience and much more relaxing than I thought it would be.
I have been really fortunate in meeting Loretta. As a dancer Loretta fully understands movement and poise. Loretta is so supportive and encouraging, I always look forward to my lesson knowing how great I will feel afterwards, how I walk taller, feel more confident and have an increased sense of calmness and purpose. I would highly recommend anyone try a lesson as it has so many benefits and has made such a difference to the quality of my life.
As a teenager I was very aware of my poor posture and was increasingly worried this would worsen as I got older. My doctor referred me to a physiotherapist to help reduce the affect of mild kypho lordosis (curvature of the spine) but this didn't have any positive long term impact. Fortunately a friend of mine recommended the Alexander Technique.
My first lesson was very different to what I expected as there weren't any rigorous stretching exercises or difficult poses. The lesson was much more about relaxing and undoing the bad habits which were exacerbating the kypho lordosis rather than bashing it into shape through rigorous exercise. It was actually a very pleasurable experience and much more relaxing than I thought it would be.
I have been really fortunate in meeting Loretta. As a dancer Loretta fully understands movement and poise. Loretta is so supportive and encouraging, I always look forward to my lesson knowing how great I will feel afterwards, how I walk taller, feel more confident and have an increased sense of calmness and purpose. I would highly recommend anyone try a lesson as it has so many benefits and has made such a difference to the quality of my life.
Ana (now living in Spain)
I started lessons with Loretta when I was desperate with my chronic neck pain. It was only getting worse in spite of trying physiotherapy, massage and pain killers. Alexander lessons made me aware of bad habits and helped me to correct them. I am still in the process of recovery, but the lessons with Loretta really made a difference and I've come a long way since I started. Loretta is a great teacher, she has authority but at the same time is really sweet and lovely. I would really recommend trying a few lessons and seeing how it goes.
I started lessons with Loretta when I was desperate with my chronic neck pain. It was only getting worse in spite of trying physiotherapy, massage and pain killers. Alexander lessons made me aware of bad habits and helped me to correct them. I am still in the process of recovery, but the lessons with Loretta really made a difference and I've come a long way since I started. Loretta is a great teacher, she has authority but at the same time is really sweet and lovely. I would really recommend trying a few lessons and seeing how it goes.
Martin - Streatham
I dance tango and I decided to have Alexander Technique lessons when one of my partners complained about my poor posture. I also have a history of back trouble and coordination problems; my movements have always been clumsy. I decided to take up lessons with Loretta because I liked the way she walked - with dignity and grace that I wanted for myself.
Within a few weeks my of starting lessons the same partner started to comment on the improvement in my stature. My back was straighter and my movements and general bearing were much better.
I started lessons with Loretta a year ago now and I’ve noticed the improvements myself. My back pain has lessened and I was able to get rid of my back support I had bought at the back shop twenty years ago because I no longer need it.
Before I started my lessons, the act of sitting down and standing up were a major production; I would fall into a chair rather than lower myself into it. When I went to stand up I would heave my shoulders up and push myself dramatically upwards. I now try to lead with my head and use much less effort. I can also remain seated in a chair with a great deal more ease now.
I found the lessons tiring at first; the tiredness has lessened. I’ve noticed that my movements are much more fluid, but the changes are not just physical; I am more disciplined in the way I respond to outside circumstances. I am realising that Alexander technique is not just about posture, it’s about how you live your life. Part of my learning is waiting before I speak to consider what I want to say and how. I now take a little more time before I speak, instead of exploding into ill-considered words which cannot be taken back when blurted out in anger, or by just not thinking.
I can truly recommend Loretta to people struggling with movement and body issues and those who are seeking to improve not only their outward appearance, but to alter their perceptions of who they are. Loretta combines discipline with a great deal of humour and a deep understanding of how vulnerable people can be when taking steps to alter their lives in a deeper and meaningful way.
It’s the only thing I’ve found in many years of searching where I am in control and not someone else, and it’s actually delivering the goods.
To book a lesson with Loretta or to make further enquiries with no obligation, phone 07949 190 595 or email loretta@greaterpoise.com
I dance tango and I decided to have Alexander Technique lessons when one of my partners complained about my poor posture. I also have a history of back trouble and coordination problems; my movements have always been clumsy. I decided to take up lessons with Loretta because I liked the way she walked - with dignity and grace that I wanted for myself.
Within a few weeks my of starting lessons the same partner started to comment on the improvement in my stature. My back was straighter and my movements and general bearing were much better.
I started lessons with Loretta a year ago now and I’ve noticed the improvements myself. My back pain has lessened and I was able to get rid of my back support I had bought at the back shop twenty years ago because I no longer need it.
Before I started my lessons, the act of sitting down and standing up were a major production; I would fall into a chair rather than lower myself into it. When I went to stand up I would heave my shoulders up and push myself dramatically upwards. I now try to lead with my head and use much less effort. I can also remain seated in a chair with a great deal more ease now.
I found the lessons tiring at first; the tiredness has lessened. I’ve noticed that my movements are much more fluid, but the changes are not just physical; I am more disciplined in the way I respond to outside circumstances. I am realising that Alexander technique is not just about posture, it’s about how you live your life. Part of my learning is waiting before I speak to consider what I want to say and how. I now take a little more time before I speak, instead of exploding into ill-considered words which cannot be taken back when blurted out in anger, or by just not thinking.
I can truly recommend Loretta to people struggling with movement and body issues and those who are seeking to improve not only their outward appearance, but to alter their perceptions of who they are. Loretta combines discipline with a great deal of humour and a deep understanding of how vulnerable people can be when taking steps to alter their lives in a deeper and meaningful way.
It’s the only thing I’ve found in many years of searching where I am in control and not someone else, and it’s actually delivering the goods.
To book a lesson with Loretta or to make further enquiries with no obligation, phone 07949 190 595 or email loretta@greaterpoise.com
