BODY MIND AND SPIRIT
Many people who want to get into shape don't
realize there is more to fitness than well-toned muscles. There's no shortage
of exercise regimes that just promote the perfection of the body, or the idea
of fitness as a part of a weight loss plan.
Centuries ago, Western culture
lost its focus on the interconnectedness between the body and the mind or
spirit, and how each has the power to affect the other. Cultivating a love of
movement can help you get beyond the concept of physical fitness as separate
from mental fitness - and toward a lifelong program of good health through mind
and body fitness.
Whether you choose yoga or
another form of movement for exercise, remember that our bodies are made to
move to feel good. So when you incorporate regular activity in your life,
you're moving closer to overall mind and body fitness. But if you are
overweight, this can be more difficult. You can improve your mind-body
connection for better mind and body fitness - it's just important to choose
realistic fitness options.
You might consider redefining
exercise as any activity that unites your mind and body and reduces your stress
level. In fact, high levels of stress have been linked to weight gain, and
certainly can lead to emotional eating. Finding activities that are both
enjoyable and easy to do is important when developing any type of exercise plan.
It's important to be realistic
about what we expect from ourselves. Consider your goals. Is 30 to 60 minutes
on a treadmill a reasonable time frame at this point in your life? Are you
setting yourself up for failure or success when you create this expectation for
yourself? Would it be more enjoyable to you to do some stretching and a shorter
period of time on the treadmill?
Developing an exercise plan that
fits your lifestyle and your desires is critical. Surprisingly, long-term weight loss is linked more closely to whether a
person sticks to their fitness routine than to what that routine actually
consists of. A routine that is gentle and pleasurable is more likely to lead to
the long-term gains you are seeking.
All-or-nothing thinking about
exercise leads us to first bite off more than we can chew and then give up all
together. Just walk into a gym in the month of January and try to get on a
Stairmaster. There's a good chance you'll have to wait in line. But by March or
April, there are usually plenty of free machines.
It is also important to tailor
your fitness goals to your preferences. Some people like the idea of getting
out of the house in the evening and going to the gym. Others prefer staying
home and doing a quieter exercise routine after the demands of a stressful day.
Either approach, or a combination of the two, can result in improved mind and
body fitness.
What is critical is for you to
come to know yourself and to take yourself seriously. If you like to be home in
the evenings, find things to do in your home or consider an occasional walk
with friends or family. If you crave the company of others, head for the gym.
Think about what would please you most, and follow your inner voice.
Many people who are preoccupied
with food and body issues tend to pay too much attention to the needs of
others, while paying too little attention to their own needs. While you may
intend to benefit your children with their countless activities, the added
stress can cause an imbalance within your family. Can you take a look at your
schedule (or your family's) and reschedule some time for yourself? What would
it be like to say no?
Long-term weight loss can take
time. And we can get demoralized when we don't see immediate results. But
remember that maintaining an exercise routine is associated with physical as
well as mental well-being. Where has our focus on the numbers on our scale
gotten us? Some would say it has taken us to more harsh thoughts, more bingeing
and grazing on food, and, ironically, less fitness rather than more.
It may be that the best exercise
you can do right now is to throw your scale into the garbage. Focus on how
you're feeling with your exercise routine. Is it something you enjoy and can
maintain? Is it reducing your stress level and allowing a connection between
your mind and body? If so, you'll probably keep it up, and fitness of mind and
body and spirit will be yours.
Don't forget how important it is
to see your physician before starting any type of exercise routine, and to
following his or her recommendations. So try to be gentle with yourself and
realistic about how to proceed.
There is tremendous confusion in
our society about how to approach health and fitness. You may have tried losing
weight before and failed. But consider the possibility that we as a society
have not failed at dieting and weight loss. Rather, dieting has failed us as an
effective tool for fitness.
Remember that fitness of mind and
body belong together, and that exercise is very narrowly defined in our
society. So redefine exercise as any activity that reduces stress and connects
your mind and body. You'll be more likely to continue your exercise plan and
achieve the outcome you're looking for.
No comments:
Post a Comment