Take The Plunge
How the Alexander Technique and breathwork helped James Power to heal
James Power was a successful speechwriter about to embark on a major project that would change his life. Then his father died in tragic circumstances and everything collapsed. His concentration vanished, his energy drained and he could no longer function. James recalls, “I woke at 4 a.m. every morning, overwhelmed with grief and loneliness. I tried everything — seeing my doctor, talking to a psychologist, exercising — but nothing helped. I was in deep pain and struggling to walk more than 400 metres.”
Then James met an Alexander Technique teacher, who introduced him to the work of F. M. Alexander — known as “the breathing man.” Alexander taught people how to move and breathe with less effort and less tension through the better use of the whole self.
A Chance Encounter with Stillness
In his first lesson, James learnt how to find his backbone — both literally and emotionally. He discovered that he had been holding tension for years: locked ribs, tight jaw and rigid shoulders.
His teacher guided him into gentle awareness, noticing how his head balanced on his spine, how his ribs moved and how each breath became a way back to calm. “I was never the same again,” he says. “Beyond the pain subsiding, something deeper shifted. I finally felt comfortable in my own skin.”
YOU CAN USE BREATHWORK TO REMAIN CALM WHEN UNDER PRESSURE
Building Resilience — One Breath and One Icebath at a Time
The Alexander Technique is sometimes thought of simply as improving posture, but it goes far deeper. Developed by F. M. Alexander in the late 19th century, it’s a method of unlearning habits that interfere with natural coordination, movement and breathing.
After James regained ease and balance through the Alexander Technique, he has dedicated his life to exploring other ways of meeting challenges with awareness — one of which is the icebath.
“Ice belongs in cocktails, not baths — I’m not getting anywhere near there,” James said initially.
“When CPASE invited me to try their icebath, I hesitated. I’ve always hated the cold,” James admits. “But I’d learnt that when you meet fear with consciousness rather than resistance, something changes. So I jumped in and gave out a bit of a yelp.”
James continues: “At first, the shock was overwhelming. Breathing was hard and my nerves said to get out. Then I remembered the Alexander work: to stay present and allow my breath to fill my lungs gently. I took slow breaths, in through the nose and gently out, letting the body settle instead of fighting. Within moments, the panic softened. I realised I could find calm, even in the coldest moments. That embodiment of awareness — meeting discomfort with kindness — is the cornerstone of using breathwork in the icebath."
James adds, “CPASE truly is a remarkable gym – one that places real emphasis on recovery, repair and taking care of both body and mind. You can see why it is the best gym in the country. I still really do not like the cold, but decided to give it a go and loved it.”
GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO RECOVER
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering an icebath, remember: stay safe, breathe fully and take it easy. It’s not about proving your toughness. When you meet the cold with awareness instead of resistance, you really do find presence and stillness and take that with you for the rest of the day.
About James Power
James is STAT registered Alexander Technique teacher based in Knutsford. He graduated with a First in English from St Andrews University and has years of experience teaching breathwork. James teaches at his studio inside The Soul Reformer Pilates in Knutsford and at The House of Social in Manchester.
His breathwork course is available at:
STOP AND PAUSE TO LET GO OF TENSION
James’ Top 3 Tips For Breathwork in an Icebath
#1 - Stay Safe
Before you jump in, remember: icebaths aren’t a competition. The idea is not to shock yourself into submission, but to support recovery in a mindful way. Talk to your doctor first if you have any concerns and never go in alone if it’s your first time. If, like me, you hate the cold, start gently and be kind to yourself. Try dipping just your legs in for your first round. Build up resilience and let your body tell you how it feels before going deeper. It’s not about endurance — it’s about presence.
#2 - Breathe, Don’t Fight
Your first instinct when you step into freezing water is to gasp, tighten up and hold your breath. That’s completely natural — but this is where breathwork comes in. Breathe through your nose and use longer, slow outbreaths. Focus on exhaling gently. Allow your whole back to lengthen. Often within 10 seconds, you’ll find that your body adapts, and a beautiful calm starts to arrive. This is one of the reasons I love integrating the principles of the Alexander Technique with everything I do. Using the icebath it is so important to learn how to stop and to learn how to let go.
#3 - Wake Up the Conscious Mind
F. M. Alexander taught people how to wake up the conscious mind — the part of us that can observe instead of reacting. When you’re in the icebath, try not to distract yourself or escape the experience. Instead, allow yourself to stop, to breathe and let go of unnecessary tension. This is an act of faith and it signals to your nervous system that you are safe, and invites both mind and body into harmony.
findyourbackbone.com/breathwork-course
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