The Summer heat will soon begin to lessen a little and you might be starting to think about undoing some of the damage a sedentary summer may have done to your body and mind! Lack of movement is the fastest way towards feeling older than we may actually be, developing arthritis and other chronic forms of pain; and also it has a huge effect on our mental health.
But what form of exercise should you take? There is such a plethora of advice and choices out there that it can be a little confusing, so here is a brief run-down of some options available to us in and nearby to Maroni.
Yoga
What is it?
This ancient discipline or “practice” as it is known not only trains the body for strength and flexibility, but it has the added benefit of relaxing a busy mind and decreasing stress. The word “Yoga” means “Union”: a joining together of body and mind. In the Western world the Asana practice of moving into different physical postures has become very popular, and as we learn more about the human brain and how it responds to mind/body movement people are practising it for the spiritual and emotional benefits they receive also. Postures are held for a period of time and linked together with flowing movements in time with the breath.
Why should I do it?
- To strengthen and stretch out the body
- Improve balance
- Improve and control our breath: If we can control our breath we can regulate and slow our heart rate, which is great news for this hard-working muscle!
- If you are a beginner, this is a good form of exercise to begin with as everything is done at your own pace.
- De-stressing the body reduces stress hormones which, when out of balance, can cause disease, (particularly cardiovascular) and even contribute to cancer.
- Weight-management: once you start to practice yoga regularly the sense of well-being it brings means that you treat yourself with more care and make better choices. This can have a great influence over our weight and being able to manage it.
- To increase bone density: and ward off/reverse osteoporosis
- For good mental health: As above, regular mindful practice will lead to a better self-care routine, which in turn leads to more self-respect and better self-esteem. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins in the body and eventually regulates our serotonin production, which is the happy hormone we need to stay positive and functioning well.
- Because it’s fun! We are never too serious in yoga practice, and a sense of humour is a great thing to bring along to or indeed develop during a class
“Move Well” Pilates/Mobility
What is it?
This is a fusion of pilates exercises for the core muscles: abdominals, pelvic floor, lower back and hips with general mobilisation of all the joints of the body. We keep moving for the whole hour focusing on small and large joints, balance training and getting stronger from deep within.
Why should I do it?
- To open and mobilise the joints of the body: warding off/managing arthritis and making us feel generally less creaky!
- Improve balance
- Improve posture
- Improve our movement patterns: connecting our mind to how we are moving ensures we move with quality and are less likely to succumb to injury
- To move the body in all planes of motion: In our day to day lives we mostly move in the sagittal plane but this class encourages lateral movement and rotation which are often where we become weak through lack of use. Weakness here can lead to injury.
- Target areas such as hips and core to help with back problems
- Improve and control our breath: If we can control our breath we can regulate and slow our heart rate, which is great news for this heard working muscle!
- A better functioning pelvic floor: and we all know why that’s important!
- Another great class If you are a beginner: This is low-impact exercise done in a slow controlled fashion and options and alternatives are given for those who need it.
- Weight management, good mental health, having fun and hormonal balance: these benefits are true of all forms of exercise
Swimming
What is it?
OK we know what swimming is…but what I mean by this is actually kicking your legs and using your arms, not just bobbing with your other Maroni friends down in the water and having a good chin-wag!
Why should I do it?
- It’s a great full-body workout
- It’s soothing and relaxing
- Cools you down
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Uses all the major joints of the body
- Strengthens the muscles
- Please note: as this is a non-weight bearing form of exercise this does not help with increase of bone density
Walking
What is it?
As above: we know what it is…but the intensity you put into it makes all the difference: you should be slightly out of breath (just slightly) and able to feel a glow! Maybe to be left for early in the morning or when the heat subsides.
Why should I do it?
- Weight management: when performed at a high enough intensity walking can burn off a good amount of calories
- Gets you outdoors! Being outdoors and exercising is associated with better mental health
- Builds bone density
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Strengthens muscles of the lower body
Personal Training
What is it?
This will depend entirely on your wellness goal and a full consultation will help you to pin-point your desires. This is a one-to-one session and the content of which can be regular strength training, rehabilitation exercises, yoga, pilates, TRX, boxing etc etc etc….or a fusion of everything!
Why should I do it?
- Personal Training is exactly what it says: personal. Each session works on your target areas rather than going to a group class and hoping that it helps you towards your goals…perhaps you have knee/back/hip problems and need to target this area: personal training is perfect for this.
- The time of day suits your diary and lifestyle
- Faster results
- Track your progress: Regular weigh-ins and measurements recorded
- More focused training, less distraction
- To stay on track: there is nothing like having a trainer checking up on your food and alcohol consumption each week to help you make healthy choices!
FREE WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE WITH NO OBLIGATION TO BUY ANYTHING Please contact Melanie on 9972 9239 to make an appointment
The Summer heat shall soon begin to lessen a little and you might be starting to think about undoing some of the damage a sedentary summer may have done to your body and mind! Lack of movement is the fastest way towards feeling older than we may actually be, developing arthritis and other chronic forms of pain; and also it has a huge effect on our mental health.
But what form of exercise should you take? There is such a plethora of advice and choices out there that it can be a little confusing, so here is a brief run-down of some options available to us in and nearby to Maroni.
FREE WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE WITH NO OBLIGATION TO BUY ANYTHING
Please contact Melanie on 9972 9239 to make an appointment
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