Functional Awareness® (FA) is a practical somatic approach that provides a series of explorations in experiential anatomy to enhance our understanding of movement function, facilitate ease in body action, and improve dynamic alignment. It explores the relationship between the skeletal structure, the muscle structure and the myofascial tissue throughout the body to help sustain a dynamic elasticity and resiliency to create efficiency of movement and ease in action. 

FA Workshop 1: Anatomy in Action: Ways of standing, ways of walking

1. The plumb line of standing & it’s importance in standing and balance in relation to Alexander’s principles of inhibition and direction
2. Exploration of the AO joint, the rectus capitis, & obliquus capitis with the transversospinalis to demonstrate their role in postural support & their support of Alexander’s principle of thinking ‘up’
3. Biomechanical considerations in applying AT principles to gait (walking)
4. An AT table protocol for legs to support the Functional Awareness principles provided throughout the workshop

Click here for more details.

FA Workshop 2: Anatomy in Action: The action of arms in relation to the torso

1. Biomechanical distinctions of the glenohumeral joint and scapula; an approach to teaching the relationship of arm movements to the primary directions
2. The trapezius, the latissimus dorsi, and pectoralis major, and their connection in Alexander’s directions to allow the back to lengthen and widening 
3. Chair and table protocols to integrate functional awareness of the arms with Alexander’s principles of inhibition and direction…’letting the right thing do itself’

FA Workshop 3: Anatomy in Action: Breathing and its integral relationship to movement

1. Exploring the factors that impact our breathing patterns
2. The primary muscle functions in breathing, and their relationship to primary control
3. Chair and table protocols to integrate functional awareness of the breathing mechanism with Alexander’s principles of inhibition and direction

FA Workshop 4: Anatomy in Action:  The wonderful world of the pelvis

1. Exploring the skeletal landmarks of the pelvis and femur  
2. Identifying movement potential in the hip (flexion, extension, medial & lateral rotation, adduction, and abduction) and it’s relationship to the directions to ‘let the torso lengthen and widen to let the knees release forward and away.   
3. Chair and table protocols to integrate functional awareness of the hip and leg. 

These workshops can be taken individually or as a full sequence towards certification.

Alexander Technique Resources:

• ATMidAtlantic.com – Alexander Technique lessons, workshops and teacher training with Nancy Romita
• AmSATonline.org – American Society for the Alexander Technique
• AlexanderTechnique.com – Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique