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Learn to run
efficiently, effectively & enjoyably
with the Alexander Technique

Half-Day Workshops with Malcolm Balk

a message
from Amira


I'm very excited to be assisting and hosting, along with American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT), Malcolm Balk and his 'Art of Running' workshops.  He will be teaching two workshops here in the Bay Area.  Malcolm is a fantastic teacher.  His workshops are jammed packed with information and are really so much fun.

I highly recommend checking them out. Last year was the first year Malcolm came to the Bay Area to teach and the workshops were so successful, we're bringing him back.

He works with novice runners and the serious marathoners, providing tremendous benefit for all levels.  One of the best parts of the workshops is  that he does before and after individual video analysis of your running.   Since we can't see what we're doing when we're running, the video and Malcolm's analysis provides essential feedback that help to improve your performance. 

 
                        - Amira
"If a runner told you that they'd been injury-free for 15 years you'd want to know their secret. Fortunately, Malcolm Balk wants to let us in on this."
                                             
 - Runner's World, November 2000


what you'll learn

We all think we know how to run.  After all, it's as natural as putting one foot in front of the other.  Too often, though, an activity which should be enjoyable and fulfilling instead leads to frustration and injury.

'Art of Running' workshops are based on the proven principles of the Alexander Technique, which encourage good use of the body and greater awareness of the way it functions, as well as the revolutionary new Pose Method, developed by leading Russian coach Nicholas Romanov.

These practical workshops are ideal for runners of all ages and levels of fitness and experience.  'The Art of Running' will give you real insight into the sport and how you can transform your training and performance. 



Release tension and stiffness

Run without injury

Increase performance without strain and pain

Identify & change harmful habits that keep you from performing to your full potential.

Overcome self-imposed limitations

Individual Video Analysis of your running

"... what I actually feel is a great sense of joy.   I've been running for 18 years but it has never felt this easy and, well, bouncy."
                                                        
 - The Guardian, November 2007            



  about malcolm

Malcolm Balk is an internationally acclaimed Alexander Technique teacher, Level 4 Athletics Coach, author of Master the Art of Running and Pose Method instructor.  As a competitive Master's runner, he has completed six marathons, the last being a sub 3 hour effort at age 50.  Malcolm is a former McGill track coach and Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track and Field programs at Concordia University.  As a runner, Balk knows the importance of ease of movement, so his ultimate goal is to improve running form. He helps runners replace bad postural habits with a more efficient style that will enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury and increase the enjoyment of running.
"If you wonder how many calories it burns, Alexander Technique isn't for you.  But if you want to eliminate tension and learn good body alignment, it is."

               - Marie Claire Health & Beauty, March 2001

alexander technique

The Alexander Technique is a method of becoming aware of and preventing the unnecessary tension we put into everything we do, so that we can learn to function in a more free and natural fashion. It was developed by FM Alexander (1869-1955), and can be applied to sporting activities as well as to everyday living.

"Your new-found awareness allows you to discover the movements of your body that are predisposing you to injury."
           - Health & Fitness, March 2001

  workshop details



Friday
June 12th, 2009
 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

or


Sunday
June 14th, 2009
 9:00 am - 12:00 pm


The Workshop will take place at the Hotel Whitcomb
1231 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 (Between 8th and 9th Street, Civic Center BART)



Registration is required. Please click here to register. When you get to the registration page, click "register now" and then select public. Maximum registration of 20 people per workshop.

Cost:               $90



Malcolm  will be assisted in Berkeley by local Alexander teacher, Amira Alvarez, who specializes in working with people in pain and sports enthusiasts wanting to raise their performance.

Malcolm Balk will have limited times available for private lessons. 

For more information about the workshops, private lessons or the Alexander Technique, or if you have questions about registration: 





Amira Alvarez, M.AmSAT

Member American Society for the Alexander Technique
510-528-3109 / www.amiraalvarez.com / amira.alvarez@gmail.com