About Hilary | Hilary Cook, Alexander Technique Teacher, MSTAT

I am a Land Agent having gained BSc (hons) in Estate Management from the University of Reading. It was very active work being out and about on country estates all day. As a result of a back injury I had to give up my career and an active life.. Over several years I had treatment with an osteopath and then a physiotherapist, the latter recommended that I have some Alexander Technique lessons to help relieve backache and to improve my posture.

Over the next two years I found the Alexander Technique to be very beneficial and decided to train to become an Alexander Technique teacher. I completed a three year full time course at the Cumbria Alexander Training School in Kendal in July 2000.

From learning the Alexander Technique I found that I could start all the outdoor activities I love to do from hill walking to outdoor swimming and .gardening. Since 2000 I have walked extensively in the Lake District, Scotland, the Nepalese Himalayas and New Zealand.

The Alexander Technique has also helped me play the piano, guitar, clarinet and sing in a better way. I am learning to play the saxophone.

Hilary performing at The Old mill Centre

Once you have learned the Alexander Technique you can apply it to anything you are doing.

I am a Professional member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT). I adhere to the stringent code of ethics provided by STAT and I hold Professional Indemnity Insurance .

I studied the Eyebody Method 15 years ago as well as the Bates Method both helping me improve my vision and not wear glasses. In 2021 I completed the Advanced Clearsight Method Course. I bring all this eye work into my Alexander teaching because as your eyes relax it not only helps to improve your vision, but also your posture and how you move. Another benefit is that you can start letting go of glasses.

I am also listed on http://www.alexandertechnique.com/

Since 2000 I have taught individual Alexander lessons in person and online as well as workshops and courses to many people of all ages with a variety of physical problems as well as dancers, musicians, and sports people in North Yorkshire and the North East of England.