The Joy of Exercise

Every minute of our lives we move without even thinking about it. But the quality of our movement greatly affects the result — and as any physiotherapist will tell you, correct and careful movement can save you from serious injury. And during any kind of exercise session or workout, this quality of movement becomes even more important, to protect and guard against damage, and also to give you maximum results — in the form of a body you can be proud of on the beach!

One of the things that makes Yoga stand out among other exercise systems is its unique principles of movement. Every single time you do a Yoga workout, you need to build in these principles, from the moment you begin, until the time you finish. They are absolutely crucial for creating a focused, flowing and safe practice and ensuring the kind of correct quality movement that means you’ll get great results.

There are six Yoga principles of movement, all equally important, so let’s look at them in turn.

Centering with the Breath

The breath is one of the best tools we have with which to create focus and awareness when preparing the mind and body for exercise. When tension is present, either physically or mentally, the body is vulnerable to injury. Using the breath to create a body which is what I call actively relaxed — i.e. the mind is alert but calm and the body is free of any tension — places the body in an optimal state for the recruitment of the correct muscles for movement and activation of the Yoga girdles.

Drawing the attention to the simple efficiency of the breath as it feeds the body with oxygen and nourishes the cells has a calming effect on the senses and soothes and quietens a busy mind. An ability to let go of thoughts and distractions follows, clearing the head beautifully, and preparing the brain — the control center of the body —to initiate and co-ordinate movement. Sensing the smooth, even, uninterrupted flow of the breath through the inhalation and then the exhalation, naturally disperses all tension, bringing the body to a point of stillness where the only movement is the free-flowing rhythm of the breath. From this point we initiate the Yoga breathing system and the Yoga girdles are activated, allowing total control of our movements— and maximum results from our practice.

Alignment

Good body alignment is the key to optimal function of the body, and it’s through using this centering phase of our practice that we create the strong mind/body connection which is so important in Yoga. This in turn leads to an enhanced awareness of correct body alignment and healthy posture of the body, helping us to sense our natural neutral spine and heighten our sensitivity to any individual imbalances and negative tendencies. Once again, this conscious body awareness is carried throughout each and every practice from start to finish.

This same awareness means that we can find our neutral spinal alignment in any position — seated, lying or standing— and ensures correct alignment and protection of the spine throughout all movement. Correct placement of the spine and pelvis for each exercise is maintained, enhancing circulation, optimizing muscle function and maximizing that lovely elongation of the spine, allowing it to really breathe.

Co-ordination

When we talk about co-ordination we don’t just mean co-ordinating movements of the body. Co-ordination of the mind with the body is just as important, so that the two can work in a harmonious way to achieve the physical and mental benefits that regular practice of Yoga can bring. Part of this is about co-ordinating and synchronising breath and movement, and maintaining it throughout every Yoga workout. This is really important, and with regular practice it will come naturally— because linking each exercise with the breath promotes balance and co-ordination, building upon the Yoga principles and resulting in a wonderfully effective sequence of movement. Isolating and co-ordinating the girdles to work in synergy creates a strong center around which each movement revolves. Focusing and concentrating on this ensures the prime quality of each and every Yoga exercise, avoiding mindless repetition which can lead to bad habits and ultimately be damaging to the body. Remember, Yoga is more than just an exercise system. It’s a perfectly co-ordinated method of moving, breathing and centering, which will change your life.

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• Eight Stomach Flattening Exercises continued
• Stretch to Purify and Renew Your Body
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Category: Exercise, Relax, Workout, Yoga

Tags: alignment, awareness, body, breath, co-ordination, correct, Exercise, mind, movement, practice, principles, principles of movement, quality, spine, thoughts, work, Yoga