Swimming can be a challenging sport, both mentally and physically. The Alexander Technique is a method of releasing tension and stress from your body. Steven Shaw, a former competitive swimmer, was trained in the Alexander Technique and developed the Shaw Method, a training program which incorporates the Alexander Technique into swimming.
Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique was developed by Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor. Alexander suffered from a high level of neck and body tension which affected his performances, so he developed ways to release tension from his body to help him stay relaxed while performing. The Alexander Technique works to remove undesirable muscular tension from your body, and aims to improve balance, coordination and posture. The technique also shows you new ways of standing, walking and sitting that put less tension on joints, bones and muscles.
Background
In 1987, Steven and Linor Shaw began to use facets of the Alexander Technique in the swimming pool. Both became trained in the Alexander Technique in 1990 and found that it helped swimmers perform with increased muscular ease. Steven Shaw wrote his first book, "The Art of Swimming," in 1996 and was teaching his method to swimming instructors two years later. Shaw's method works with swimmers of all abilities and ages.
Shaw Method
Steven Shaw's method aims to improve your relationship with the water as you swim. The Art of Swimming website points out that the Shaw Method is the only swimming technique that uses the Alexander Technique as its base. The Shaw Method's main principles include how to glide, float and breathe in the water. Another key element is undulation, or movement in a wave-like manner. The Shaw Method helps you learn your natural buoyancy in lessons conducted in shallow swimming pools, and also emphasizes learning the correct technique for key swimming strokes such as the front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.
Additional Information
Steven Shaw is based in the United Kingdom and is a level 2 swimming teacher in the Amateur Swimming Association. Shaw also incorporates training on dry land to help you learn different methods of movement.
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