Muscle fatigue

Muscle fatigue is the decline in a muscle’s ability to generate force over time. It happens when muscles are used continuously without adequate recovery, leading to reduced strength, coordination and endurance. In standing, fatigue often results from sustained low-level contractions—especially in postural muscles—that limit blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Muscle fatigue is not just about tired muscles; it reflects a breakdown in whole-system coordination. In Alexander Technique, fatigue is often a sign of habitual misuse—such as over-contracting, bracing or interfering with natural balance—rather than the task itself being too demanding. Efficient use reduces fatigue by allowing muscles to work in harmony, not isolation.