Wow how do we incorporate all the elements of fitness into your busy week? The balance of fitness is the key to longevity of your overall health. If you remember my fitness was way out of balance…ya I could deadlift 600# but could I run a mile..ya but call 911:) The key is to be diversified in all elements of fitness.
Stretch, keep moving, breathe deeply. You’ve heard it before. BUT you only have so much time for a workout–stretching takes time. You have to sit at a desk all day. You just forget to breathe deeply or think that’s mumbo jumbo for yogi types. Why are stretching, moving, and deep breathing so important?
Sitting Make You Fat!
Flexibility makes you stronger. Having good flexibility increases your physical performance by allowing joints to move further with less energy. Increased flexibility means improved circulation, decreased risk of injury, and reduced muscle tension. Joints that don’t move well, don’t eat well, so they deteriorate. Flexibility makes you feel and look younger because you move easily and without stiffness. The time to stretch is after a workout.
Sitting makes you fat! According to a study I found at the ABC News site linked below, sitting suppresses the enzyme called lipase that breaks down fat by as much as 90%. So stand up and move whenever you can! If you spend much of your time sitting behind a desk or just sitting, you are sabotaging your fitness efforts even if you get regular exercise. (ABC News Article)
Deep breathing oxygenates the whole body resulting in improved digestion, healthier brain, spinal cord, and nerves, better looking skin. It means healthier, more powerful lungs, increased stamina, and a healthier heart that will last longer and work more efficiently. Deep breathing also reduces stress and tension. Unfortunately even aerobic exercise does little to increase lung capacity for all but elite athletes. Most of us take breaths that are too shallow and too frequent. You can locate many articles and books about learning how to improve breathing. Here is just one article.
I highly recommend incorporating yoga into your workout routine. If all posible try 1-3x times a week of gentle stretching on your own if your time is sparce!
So stretch your limits, get out of the box, and breathe!
-Steve
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You had a hard time getting me to start but once you did it became my great love. What rewards just every part of your body in absolute joy. My challenge now is getting back to that level of joy with a crippled body. When your gym is ready I know you will all help me.
Soon!
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