Breathwork Classes

Teaching Alexander Technique near Belfast

Colin’s Alexander Technique Teaching style is one of gentle, light touch manual guidance combined with personalised verbal instruction aimed at helping you notice the way you hold and move your body. Lessons are typically quiet and reflective. You’ll stay fully clothed, and the work unfolds at your pace. Colin helps you notice patterns of tension you may not realise you’re holding — and discover how to release them.

“It is possible to practise Alexander Technique without instruction – after all Alexander made his discoveries alone. However, in my experience, a great deal of time and effort may be saved by employing a qualified teacher to aid you.”

Colin Beattie

Alexander Technique Lessons & Prices

Private Group Classes

Private group classes cost £80 per hour with the cost shared among the group. I can teach Alexander Technique to groups of up to 6 people.

One to One Classes

One to one classes are available weekdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and occasionally on Saturdays at the House on the Hill. Classes cost £50 (£25 concessions).

The first session will be around 75 minutes to allow time to discuss your needs and history, afterwards classes last around 45-50 minutes.

Corporate Classes

Colin also teaches Alexander Technique in groups or private lessons to businesses. Please email or call to arrange an appointment.

Book a Class

What form of teaching does Alexander Technique use?

Alexander Technique teaching is not about instruction in the traditional sense. It’s a collaborative process where your instructor helps you to become more aware of the way you use your body. You won’t be given exercises to perform or stretches to repeat. Instead, you’ll be guided through everyday movements — like standing, sitting, walking, or reaching — with your teacher helping you notice what’s getting in the way.

The goal of Alexander Technique teaching isn’t to “correct” posture, but to awaken your awareness of it. Teaching focuses on what not to do, allowing space for natural movement to re-emerge.

This form of teaching is grounded in over a century of hands-on tradition and supported by modern research. For example, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that after just six Alexander Technique lessons, people with chronic back pain experienced significant improvements in pain and quality of life, even a year later.

“The Alexander Technique involves an awakened sense of muscles and how we use them. No amount of writing and talking about it can substitute for direct experience.”

Dr. David Garlick BSc (Med), MB, BS, PhD

About Colin

Professional Training

Colin first took lessons in the Alexander Technique back in 1995 because of a painful back and problems with balance and co-ordination, eventually going on to train as an Alexander Technique teacher at The Constructive Teaching Centre. He qualified in 2001 and has since taught in private practice in London, Hitchin and Belfast as a member of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.

Continuous Learning

Like all disciplines, the Alexander Technique is an ongoing process of discovery and Colin has worked with many experienced teachers over the years to refine his understanding of Alexander’s principles. He has studied over many years with John Nicholls and more recently been influenced by the work of Jessica Wolf . Colin completed her postgraduate training in the art of breathing in 2017.

Competitive Swimming

Colin also a qualified swimming teacher and a member of Swim Ireland, the main professional body in Ireland. He swam competitively for Ulster and Ireland. He trained and taught with Steven and Limor Shaw, the originators of the Shaw Method of Swimming. This is a system that applies the principles of the Alexander Technique to swimming.

Colin’s Approach to Teaching Alexander Technique

Colin Beattie is a STAT-registered teacher who works from his peaceful home practice in Drumbeg, between Belfast and Lisburn. His teaching style is gentle, professional, and completely tailored to the individual. Whether you’re new to the Technique or returning after a break, each lesson is shaped around your needs, interests, and physical habits.

Colin works with people across a range of motivations:

Professionals and knowledge workers wanting to reconnect with their bodies and reduce stress

People in midlife looking for more balance and wellbeing

Individuals recovering from injury, burnout, or grief

Musicians, performers, and speakers aiming to improve performance and presence

Book a Trial Session

One-to-One and Group Classes in Alexander Technique

Colin offers the following teaching options:

Individual Lessons

£50 per 45-minute session
Tailored one-to-one guidance
Ideal for deep learning and personal application

Private Group Classes (2- 6 people)

£80 per hour (shared cost)

I recommend at least a 90 minute class for groups of four or more

A friendly, supportive environment

Suitable for friends, colleagues, or wellness groups

Introductory Workshops in Drumbeg

An introduction to Alexander’s principles with practical activities

Workshops last two hours

Cost is £25 per participant

Limited to 4 participants

Corporate or Workplace Sessions

Available by arrangement
Ideal for well-being programmes, speaker training, or stress management support

FAQs

How many classes in Alexander Technique will I need?

F.M. Alexander originally recommended daily lessons over 5 to 6 weeks. While that’s not realistic for most people, it remains a good model for learning. Our professional body, STAT, suggests taking 20 to 30 lessons, particularly closer together at the beginning.

However, the number of lessons depends on your goals, availability, and interest. Most people notice improvement within the first few sessions. More importantly, lasting change depends on how you apply the Technique between lessons and in everyday life.

I am happy to structure my Alexander Technique teaching to a frequency and type of lesson that will suit you best.

Is Alexander Technique best taught in groups or on a 1-2-1 basis?

Alexander Technique teaching usually takes place on a one to one basis because of the need for hands-on, personal instruction reflecting your own individual needs.

Lessons are usually most effective on a one to one basis because the teaching consists of gentle manual guidance combined with personalised verbal instruction.

Will I need a course of Alexander Technique classes?

It is most effective to take a course of classes. Our professional association STAT recommends 20 to 30, with the first sessions preferably taken closer together. Having said this most people will notice improvements within the first few lessons. In a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, people with chronic lower back pain were shown to be in less pain and with improved quality of life a year after taking only six lessons. The most important factor is how much time and energy you can give to applying the technique in your daily life between and after classes.

What professional standards apply to Alexander Technique Teaching?

The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, (S.T.A.T.), was established in 1958 to maintain teaching standards in the profession. All teaching members of S.T.A.T. have completed a three year, full time Alexander Technique teacher training course, are fully insured and comply with a published code of conduct and ethics.

Is Alexander Technique For Me?

You don’t need to be fit, flexible, or experienced. Alexander Technique teaching is suitable for anyone who wants to:

Feel less physically stuck or stiff
Learn how to stop holding stress in the body
Improve body awareness and posture
Reconnect with breath and movement
Explore a calmer, more embodied way of being

Contact Colin

Interested in exploring Colin’s Alexander Technique classes? Feel free to get in touch with questions or to arrange a first session.