F. M.
Alexander

Frederick Matthias Alexander, born in Tasmania in 1869, was an Australian actor and the founder of the Alexander Technique, a method for improving movement and posture. Alexander developed his technique in response to his own vocal and respiratory issues, which were interfering with his career as an actor. Through careful observation and experimentation, he discovered that his habitual patterns of movement and posture were contributing to his physical problems.

Alexander's method focuses on retraining the body to move with greater ease and efficiency by releasing unnecessary tension and allowing the natural alignment of the spine and joints. Through gentle hands-on guidance and verbal instruction, practitioners of the Alexander Technique learn to become more aware of their movement habits and to make conscious choices about how they use their bodies. Alexander's technique has been widely adopted by performers, athletes, and individuals seeking relief from chronic pain and tension. His legacy as a pioneer in mind-body awareness continues to influence disciplines such as physical therapy, psychology, and holistic health practices.