"Working In –vs- Working Out"
"Walking is man’s best medicine." ~Hippocrates
This is the time of the year where many people feel powerful or not powerful--believing that tax refunds will do what we have not done for ourselves. Many New Year's resolutions had to do with going to the gym for a new look. Almost no one set a goal to feel better and to be vital, unless life has given them a sign that they need help. It is great to hear those goals and is even better to hear people saying that they kept their goals or accomplished them. Believe me, there are not words that can describe that sense of accomplishment.
Working out is one of my favortie things to do to stay in shape, relieve stress and to just feel better. Many people ask me about workouts, programs (that many times are not follow) and what to do. I rush them to make them aware that maybe is not workin out that they need, but time to work in their body in order to replenish themselves with energy.
For those who do not believe in energy, just place your finger in the nearest electrical outlet and you will see for yourself that energy does exists. (I joke!)
Before we go any further, let me explain what I mean by "working in". Working in exercises are movements such as: breathing exercises, Tai Chi, Qigong, praying, slow walking, and walking meditations. These are movements that do not even raise your heart rate, but instead give you the great benefit of looking and feeling younger.
One movement could be just getting into a squat position. Do not go to 90 degrees, just move a little like unlocking your knees. Going down breath out, going up breath in. Match your breathing with your movement. Guess what? Do as many as you want and stop when you think it is right. It is easy enough to stop reading and do it now. These exercises can be done at any time and anywhere.
Children, especially those with the fancy label of ADD and ADHD or behavioral problems can benefit from these amazing exercises while calming themselves down and also is a great chance to bond with your child while enjoying some slow fun.
These can help when you feel tired, emotionally drained and even improve digestion and can help you unwind. What you are doing that is bringing more energy into your body? And the slower you perform the movement, the more energy that will go into your body.
Zone exercises can improve sleep/wake cycles, hormonal/physiological regulation, metabolism, calcium regulation, blood pressure, immune system, digestion, muscles, sexual functions, adrenal function, bones will also help on improving your sense of awareness, mental clarity and even athletic ability among others.
These movements are the answers to many that spend their lives in the gym exhausting themselves and setting up themselves for failure believing that the proper form, tempo (speed of movements) repetitions and sets are things that are just the way to health. This is exactly why trainers should assess their clients and not guess about them. A little pumping heart with some relaxation is good business.
If you would like to pick a place for these amazing movements, outside surrounded by nature is a great choice. I tell my clients that if their heart rate goes up more than five beats with these movements they are working out and the benefit goes to waste. These are SLOW movements to escape your busy days and to help your mind to stay clear. I have even worked with people that only do slow exercises and lose weight due to the adrenal fatigue holding them back from their goals.
Energy building exercises are rarely seen in gyms--as sweating and beating people up is part of their sale tactics. I encourage you to challenge yourself to this treat and enjoy how you body feels. The feelings of strength not only comes from pumping iron or following fancy diets, but to tune ourselves with ourselves.
Enjoy, Celebrate Life and Love!
My intention is that YOU become an expert on yourself,
Migdoel “Dio” Miranda
CHEK III
HLC II
