Adding Mind/Body Exercise to Your Training
A year or so ago if you had asked me if I liked classes such as yoga I would have told you no. Honestly, I found it quite uncomfortable to be still for so long. Not to mention that some of the extreme stretches were really kind of painful.
Reading all the evidence that it is so beneficial and watching others thoroughly enjoying it, I was somehow motivated to keep exploring options for mind/body activities. After about four months of sticking with it I have started to see what all the fuss was about.
I love this component of my workouts! Seriously, if there were charity events that involved yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi you can bet I’d be participating. I’ve become a believer that it can greatly affect fitness levels and improve performance overall.
Any type of physical activity is a great stress reducer, but that of the mind/body variety really makes you focus on letting your thoughts go and taking a mental break.
Training for an event takes a lot of focus along with the physical strength and endurance. Throwing a mind/body class into the mix helps you to refocus on your goals.
In addition to the mental benefit it is so helpful for increased flexibility and range of motion. This is a key component for successful performance of all kinds of other activities like walking, running and biking.
About six months ago I found I was having some intense pain in my hip that only got worse with my group cycling classes and with running. I had to take an extended break and even when I returned the pain was nagging.
I’ve gotten into a class at my gym that combines the movements of yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. While at first I felt that the poses were aggravating my injury, after a few weeks, the pain was nearly gone. I found that a major cause of it was simply a lack of flexibility which my mind/body workouts have improved.
The American College of Sports Medicine covered mind/body exercise in this fall’s edition of their Fit Society Page. Take a look if you’d like to learn more about its history and benefits.
Do you include mind/body exercise in your training regimen? How has it helped you? Any favorite classes?
Photo courtesy of LocalFitness Pty Ltd
I ADORE yoga. I try to do a bit every morning and every evening. I find it helps just to relax and focus on me and my body and how I feel and then accepting that and moving on. Pelican pose has saved my legs and whenever I get overwhelmed, I spend a few minutes in child’s pose, just focusing on my breathing and bringing myself back together.
Grounded Fitness is hosting a contest right now for a Giam yoga thing. (I think that’s the technical term.) You should check it out.
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for your comment! It is such a great form of exercise. You can take a class or just slip in some moves throughout the day to focus and relax like you mentioned. Glad to hear it works for you too.