I have long been a yoga devotee. Nothing beats it. It is the ultimate form of exercise that not only tones and centers your body, but also your mind. 'Mind-body workouts' such as yoga, are beneficial in a dozen ways; They help you to build a stronger core - enabling you to get more out of your work outs - as well as teaching you to 'switch on' certain muscles to maximize your body toning and fat-blasting conditioning. They are great for increasing flexibility; therefore lowering your risk of post-workout injuries or joint pains and arthritis. They are also more slow-paced and are perfect for those of us who prefer to work on building strength and agility rather than slogging it out on the treadmill. But what I love most about mind-body workouts is the fact that they teach you to be here, in the now. They truly are workouts for the mind. Practicing yoga teaches you the art of mindfulness. The basic component to yoga practice is working through structured poses whilst linking each movement with your breathing. Therefore yoga actually teaches us to slow down.
The Cleveland Clinic confirms this idea by saying that through the exercising of mind-body workouts, you are able to relieve and essentially 'turn-off' the stress-receptors in your body, thereby relieving stress or discomfort as well as negative thinking patterns.
"The mind-body connection means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses, thereby decreasing stress. If you recall a time when you were happy, grateful or calm, your body and mind tend to relax." - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/alternative/bodymind.aspx
- Helps decrease anxiety or stress
- Helps ease discomfort or treat muscle/joint related pain
- Helps you to sleep better
- Helps reduce your reliance on medications
- Helps to strengthen your immune system
- Helps you to think more clearly
- Helps with depression
- Helps you increase strength and fitness
- Helps to strengthen your heart
- Helps increase your flexibility, strengthening muscles
- Helps to reduce blood pressure
- Helps alleviate back-pain
To help you along, I've included 3 of the most beneficial mind-body workouts plus a link to each one in order for you to practice them in your own home!
Yoga
Yoga is probably the most popular form of mind-body workout available, and its a personal fave of mine. Its benefits are endless; from increased strength and flexibility, to lower blood pressure. There are several types of yoga 'practices' but for the beginner I highly recommend getting a feel for 'Hatha'. This form of yoga is a slow-paced form, focusing on connecting your breathing through a series of slow and meditative movements.
Pilates
Pilates a moderate intensity exercise which focuses on core strength and stability as well as breathing. Pilates is a great form of exercise which actually helps alleviate back pain and improve posture. Pilates will help you get that heart rate up quick through a series of movements which focuses on your core stability. It is also an excellent way to tone up the thighs, waist, and hips. Yes!
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of exercise which combines mental concentration or 'mindfulness' with slow, controlled movements in order to help improve the slow of "Chi" (Chinese word for 'energy') through the body. Tai Chi helps relieve stress and improves blood pressure. It is a beautiful form of exercise to watch and perform, as it appears like a sort of slow, graceful dance.
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