It’s been said that to achieve a well-rounded fitness program, one must include a workout for the body and the mind.
Let’s start with the body. First things first, get moving. Go for a walk or a run. Ride your bike. Go for a swim. Next, go hit the weights. The body needs strength training to increase bone density, improve blood flow, improve blood pressure, increase cardio capacity by building a stronger heart, slow down muscle loss, improve cholesterol, help control blood sugar and improve balance and coordination. The goal is to do something at least 4-5 times a week.
Next, add a Pilates and or Yoga class to the mix. After putting your body through several workouts during the week it’s time to focus on a little more core specific, flexibility and mind body work. Pilates focuses more on strengthening the core. Yoga, depending on the format helps with stretching, relaxation and meditation. These types of classes can be added to your routine at least once a week and can make such a difference in the recovery of your body.
It’s important to mix it up because our body needs a break or a recovery day at least once a week, depending on how hard we’re training. Without the recovery, our body can start to break down because of the load or stress that we’re putting on it.
For example, I like to work out 5-6 days during the week. Along with that, I teach quite a few fitness classes. By the end of the week, my body feels beat up. I’ve recently added a stretch and meditation class to my routine once a week and after a month, I am already feeling a difference in my body. I feel more flexible. I am even learning how to meditate (I am still a work in progress in that department) but the point is that my mind is being fed or trained in a way that I can’t achieve by only doing weight training.
Create a workout schedule for the week. Make sure to add in formats that exercise your body and mind. You’ll look and feel a difference.
Recent Comments