Untilmy late 30s,I'd beenprettyhappy with my weight, but then it started creeping on, pound by pound.I'd diet, lose a few pounds,and then put it all back on again. I began obsessing about it and if there was one area I particularly disliked,it was my bottom. I think we all have a tendency to focus on the bits we don't like, but it was niggling aches and pains in my backthat prompted me to attend some lessons in the Alexander Technique back in January. After six one-to-one sessions, I started to notice a difference. I felt taller, toned and more relaxed about my whole body image. Other people noticed the difference,too. Friends began commenting favourably and someone I hadn't seen for a while said:"My goodness,you have lost some weight". I look slimmer but, in fact, I haven't lost a single ounce; I weigh exactly the same now as before. It's my shape that's changed as I apply the techniques l've been taught. I first noticed it because I had to keep adjusting my bra straps by about half an inch, simply because my shoulders aren't so hunched any more and I'm not holding myself so tensely. So my whole body has lengthened and I feel about an inch taller. The Alexander Technique makes you realise how brilliant your body is if you let it work naturally. You learn how to use your muscles differently, so everything seems to take less effort. It isn't really about "fixing" the bits that are wrong, but breaking bad habits and getting back to using your body in a more natural way. So I think of my body as a whole now and see myself in proportion rather than just focusing on the one part I wasn't happy with. I feel so much more comfortable in my clothes and I'm finally in tune with my body.