FITNESS TRAINING: ARTICLES

Exercising Mindfulness
by Lori Hock

We live in an ever-increasing high-tech world. While many modern conveniences improve the quality of our lives, they can also leave us with the need to search for a more mindful connection in our downtime. This has led to an upswing in exercise that not only works the body, but the mind as well. Three exercise regimes addressing this mind-body connection are on the rise. Which should you choose for your “mindful” workout?

Yoga is the oldest regime and probably the best known and most available. Artifacts showing yoga poses date back to 4000 B.C.E. Yoga poses are not just exercise. They are designed to heal the body, mind, and soul. Physically, yoga improves flexibility and strength using the whole body for weight, balance, and counterweight. It sharpens the body and the mind and increases concentration. As you practice the poses, you try to connect with the “one universal soul”.

There are many “branches” to the Yoga “Tree”, but three are currently the most popular. Bikram utilizes a heated room and the poses are held for several breath cycles. Ashtanga incorporates a faster pace and more strength. One movement per breath is typical, and you are expected to keep up with the class. Iyengar demands more precision with the poses and addresses the healing aspect of the poses. You can practice the full regime of yoga or just a few poses tailored to your needs and get benefits. At every level, practitioners report a relaxed feeling of well-being, regardless of how good you are at it.

The Gyrotonic Expansion System® (GXS) was created by Juliu Horvath. A former gymnast, dancer and swimmer, Horvath developed a system he called Gyrokinesisä. The buzz word of GXS® is “circles.” GXS® works multiple joints in three-dimensional space through circling and spiraling movements. GXS® functions as an internal/external massage as well as exercise for the muscles. It strengthens the nervous system and regenerates functionality of the spine. As you progress with Gyrotonicâ, the focus is on opening energy channels throughout the body. The circular, wave-like movements involve thought and coordination. You can either take a Gyrokinesisä class or do a Gyrotonic® session using such equipment as the Pulley/Tower Combination Unit, the Gyrotoner, and the Ladder.

Pilates was developed by Joseph H. Pilates and in his day was called “Contrology”. Pilates emigrated from Germany in 1923 and opened a studio in New York City. Long embraced by the dance community, Pilates has come into its own in the last ten years. The work includes over 500 exercises utilizing mat-work, and various apparatus such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair and Barrels. Using springs for resistance, this method is famous for long, lean, flexible muscles and a strong core, or “powerhouse.” The “powerhouse” is the abdominals, back, and gluteal muscles. Typically, Pilates builds a high degree of strength and flexibility without adding bulk to the muscles. As you progress in the work, you are asked to focus on various body-parts simultaneously, therefore aiding your concentration and mental well-being.

The common thread for all the “mindful” regimes is utilizing the mind as you work the body. It should be noted that both Horvath and Pilates studied Yoga and borrowed from it liberally. Perhaps, the ideal workout would include components of all of three regimes: flexibility and relaxation from yoga, core strength from Pilates and the flowing circular movements from Gyrotonicâ plus strength training for power and cardio for your heart. For most of us, a choice must be made. When choosing, investigate the training and/or certification of your instructors and don’t do anything you feel is unsafe or causes you pain. As you search for your haven from our high-tech socie ty, keep breathing and you may find your body and mind opening to new experiences.