Feel good factor: Alexander Technique

Beauty powers: This technique, developed by Australian F Matthias Alexander more than a hundred years ago, claims to rid you of back pain, improve your stature (if you are naturally round-shouldered expect to gain an inch), boost your agility and confidence and help your complexion.

The process: Unnecessary tensions are released by performing simple daily activities such as sitting, standing, walking and bending to improve your co-ordination and balance, with hands-on guidance by Noël. A good 20 minutes, my favourite, is spent lying in the "semi-supine position", legs bent, hand on hips, head on a book, neck completely free, with my limbs, head, shoulders and back being subtly manipulated. The session ends with an assortment of challenges including breathing exercises.

Any surprises? Noël doesn't do can't — he got me doing a full body squat without lifting my heels off the ground and bouncing up like a Cossack dancer — the only exercise Alexander thought the body needed. It felt fantastic.

Transformed: I now carry myself with more ease and fluidity, my migraines are less frequent and my breathing is deeper. It's an invaluable technique; I hope to carry it with me through life.

Try it out: Introductory offer of £40/50 mins (instead of £75), Noël Kingsley, 19 Cavendish Square, W1 (020 7491 3505, www.alexander-technique.com)
Jackie Annesley