The modern fitness movement tends to be very one-sided. Many people welcome a workout as a chance to be unconscious for an hour or two as an escape from constant thinking, worrying, and stress. There is also an observable element of addictive behaviour in many fitness enthusiasts.
The Alexander Technique points toward integrated fitness of the whole organism, including the intelligent guidance of movement and effort. This guidance and awareness helps to optimise effectiveness and avoid injury. It integrates mind and body in conscious activity. The mental aspect of life is served in quite surprising ways by conscious involvement in vigorous movement.
The effects of minds on bodies are clear but the effects of bodies on minds go unacknowledged. A distorted, unbalanced, inefficient physical life makes the possibility of a sound & balanced mental life increasingly remote.
Strenuous unconscious activity does nothing to help.