Expert: Stephen Cooper - 3/7/2006

Question
I know that finding a natural and healthy alignment has much to do with wearing flat (or otherwise anatomically-sound) shoes. Though I don't wear 4-inch stilettos every day (or almost ever), I usually do wear some form of 2- to 4-inch platform or high-healed shoe on a regular basis. These shoes are usually not uncomfortable, but i do feel that they 'throw off my alignment' and make it harder for me to move naturally (since balance thus involves compensating for the added height and skewed angle). Though my health is very important to me, I'm just not willing to give up the most basic aspect of my wardrobe.

Do such shoes (any shoes but flats/sneakers) necessarily encourage sub-optimal alignment and hinder natural movement, OR is it still possible for me to achieve all of the benefits of Alexander, even while sticking to my current shoe routine? Can i train my body to operate well with these shoes on, or is serious improvement unachievable in wearing these shoes?  

Answer
Dear Emily,

The answer is neither yes nor no, and you will ultimately have to make up your own mind.  The Alexander Technique helps us to understand the ways that we are interfering with "natural and healthy alignment" and shows us how we can work to improve our manner of use and in the process our alignment.  If one's aim is improved use then it is likely that one will seek to optimise the circumstances in which one operates.  Flat shoes make good use easier, high heels make it more difficult.  On the other hand, unless you want to be an "Alexander monk", serving the technique at the expense of all else (or in your case, of course, an "Alexander nun"), then you can apply your new knowledge and skill to maintaining better use under less than ideal circumstances (eg wearing high heels).
In other words, go and have some Alexander Technique lessons and learn about good use and what interferes with good use.  With your new knowledge you will make some changes to the way you sit and the chair you choose to sit on, you will find there are changes in the way you move.  You may come to see that you can maintain better use in flat shoes but you will also see that with the technique you can maintain better balance and interfere less with the poise and balance of your head, neck and back even under such unfavourable circumstances as wearing high heels.
Good luck with your lessons,
Stephen Cooper