Smartbody Alexander Technique

27/05/2026

Cambridge and Websters are wrong!

Posture is not:

the way in which someone usually holds their shoulders, neck, and back, or a particular position in which someone stands, sits, etc.
(Cambridge Dictionary online)

or

the position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose
(Mirriam-Websters Dictionary online)

Sorry, but posture as position just doesn't capture the dynamic, responsive nature of posture, which is its most interesting and most important characteristic.

And, this definition totally ties people in knots when they try to “put themselves in the right position”.

See my substack article: is posture just a position?

14/05/2026

"Fix me, teacher" vs. finding autonomy

In Alexander Technique, people often talk about the teacher’s "magic touch."
And yes, there is a specific quality of touch and attention in AT that feels special. It isn't about manipulation or "fixing." That can feel a bit mysterious at first!

🔸 But at Smartbody, we aim for something more sustainable: autonomy.
The real work happens when you begin to find balance on your own.
We help you to accurately perceive your body and the space around you, so that you can invite easy, more expansive movement and posture. We give you the tools to apply AT principles to everything you do, from running a marathon to sitting at your desk.

Interested in exploring AT?
Book a private session at smartbody.nl

07/05/2026

We think we’re just sitting at a desk. In reality, we are moulding our emotional state into a shape defined by a computer screen. 💻

Most of us view posture as a simple position: get it "right" and the problem is solved.

But this hunched, hyper-focused attitude eventually infiltrates everything. We develop "lines of collapse" in the spine and persistent pockets of stiffness.

Worse, our larger patterns of behaviour begin to blend with our postural state, and we might lose our sense of calm, meaning, and connection to what’s around us.

🔸 What if posture is a much larger concept than we think?

I’m writing a book on how 20 years of Alexander Technique practice can help you reclaim a better quality of attention and an expanded sense of spaciousness in life.
Read more on Substack We think we’re just sitting at a desk. In reality, we are moulding our emotional state into a shape defined by a computer screen. 💻

Most of us view posture as a simple position: get it "right" and the problem is solved.

But this hunched, hyper-focused attitude eventually infiltrates everything. We develop "lines of collapse" in the spine and persistent pockets of stiffness.

Worse, our larger patterns of behaviour begin to blend with our postural state, and we might lose our sense of calm, meaning, and connection to what’s around us.

🔸 What if posture is a much larger concept than we think?

I’m writing a book on how 20 years of Alexander Technique practice can help you reclaim a better quality of attention and an expanded sense of spaciousness in life.
Read more on Substack: https://smartboodyalexandertechnique.substack.com/p/the-posture-paradox

30/03/2026

Alexander technique is for anyone who wants to use their body better, feel lighter and stand with more confidence and less effort in movement.

It has been shown to help with chronic back and neck pain, and as well it improves performance from music, to professional dance or public speaking. Alexander technique is also an excellent way to bring calmness to your life and to live more in the moment.

You can:
✓ Reduce chronic pain
✓ Ease stiff shoulders, neck, and lower back pain
✓ Improve your posture and performance
✓ Live more in the moment

check our website for more info
https://smartbody.nl/en/alexander-technique/

23/03/2026

Hey, welcome. I am a STAT and ATI certified teacher of the Alexander technique.

🔸I’ve been studying the interaction between body and mind since 2001, including intensive training from 2005-2010 in Boston and Amsterdam with master teachers Tessa Marwick, Paul Versteeg and have been teaching Alexander Technique full time since 2010.

🔸I am also cofounder of alexandertechniquescience.com and have a PhD. in Physics. I’ve taught at international congresses and worked with diverse students of all ages and body types - from office workers to elite dancers, from grandmas to Pilates instructors, from cooks to concert musicians.

What can we do together:

- 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀: tailored 1-on-1 coaching (packages available)
- 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀: sessions on running, walking, dancing and posture.
- 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: a unique hybrid-apprentice model for the next generation of AT teachers.

Find out more on the website https://smartbody.nl/en/alexander-technique/

20/05/2024

www.smartbody.nl/courses-workshops
Walk2Run teaches you a running routine that:
- you can finally stick to
- allows you to progress safely and continuously
- reduces injury risk
- lets you finally succeed as a runner
You will experience all the benefits of running:
- improved overall fitness
- improved mental clarity and focus
- increased overall health and wellbeing
- increased energy and vitality
May 25th 13.30-16.00, Starts at Smartbody and move to Vondelpark

18/05/2023

This was a fun interview to do - tells you something about how I got into Alexander Technique and ended up in Amsterdam.

Patrick Johnson (55) from Massachusetts, USA is an Alexander Technique teacher and the co-manager of Smartbody, Amsterdam’s first fully-equipped Pilates studio. He loves the Dutch bike culture, Dutch art and the work-life balance here and says his home country feels increasingly ‘foreign’. How...

18/05/2023

Patrick Johnson (55) from Massachusetts, USA is an Alexander Technique teacher and the co-manager of Smartbody, Amsterdam’s first fully-equipped Pilates studio. He loves the Dutch bike culture, Dutch art and the work-life balance here and says his home country feels increasingly ‘foreign’. How...

18/05/2023

Learn about me and how I ended up in Amsterdam teaching Alexander Technique

Patrick Johnson (55) from Massachusetts, USA is an Alexander Technique teacher and the co-manager of Smartbody, Amsterdam’s first fully-equipped Pilates studio. He loves the Dutch bike culture, Dutch art and the work-life balance here and says his home country feels increasingly ‘foreign’. How...

08/05/2023

03/05/2023

Is understanding a habit essential for changing it?
https://www.smartbody.nl/courses-workshops/