Perfecting your posture can do woners for your health. KERRY ANN EUSTICE gets some advice from an expert in a technique which aims to do just that.

Qualifications:

I trained at The Society of Teachers of The Alexander Technique (STAT). I'm now a STAT-accredited teacher. It is an apprentice-style course. Trainee teachers learn through experiencing the technique which is the way I teach it in my sessions. I also have a diploma in anatomy and physiology, which is not compulsory but it helps.

Place of work:

I run Alexander technique sessions for individuals from my home and hold group workshops in at St George's Church Hall, Beckenham.

Earning potential:

I charge £32 for an individual session, £20 per person for a three-hour workshop, for groups of three to 20 people. If I have regular pupils I can earn around £30,000 per year.

What hours do you work?

From 9am until 8pm, three-and-a half days a week. The hours are quite anti-social as you have to fit around people's work.

What is your typical day like?

The technique is all about re-training people about their posture and muscle response it can really can improve health and help people function better.

In a session, clients stand in silence and become aware of the space above their heads and all around their body.

I advise people to take their shoes off and put their feet flat on the floor I think it is rare the soles of people's feet make contact with the floor as people sit with their legs crossed which can be very bad for your posture. Having both feet flat on the floor instantly improves balance.

Women's high heels are also terrible for balance. To help resolve this, I get clients to look straight in front. We have a tendency to lean forward so I place my hand on their lower back to straighten them.

Why did you decide to become an alexander practitioner?

I was suffering from stress, fatigue and muscular pain and a friend told me about the technique. I began having lessons myself nine years ago and as my health improved I realised how effective it was. This sparked my interest in teaching people myself. I realised I could do it too.

Where do you want to go from here?

I'll soon be starting short courses and workshops for groups in Penge. It would be interesting to teach the technique in offices the BBC has offered the technique to staff for some time.