The Joy of Exercise

Here are a few “off line” exercises that you can do. Some of them you can do sitting at a computer or desk. Some you can do while you’re walking down the hall or in your office with the door closed.

Again these exercises are aimed at your stomach muscles, and at trimming your waistline (more…)

Head to Knee Pose

This pose tones the abdominal organs, stretches the spine and hamstrings, and is calming for the nervous system.

• Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Fold your right leg and place your foot against the inside of your left thigh.
• Inhale, and reach up toward the ceiling to lengthen your spine.
• Exhale, and fold forward over your outstretched leg. Avoid rounding your back, and concentrate on lengthening your spine and bringing your abdomen toward your thigh.

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The ancient art of hatha yoga heals the body, mind, and spirit through gentle stretching movements. Yoga is especially helpful during a cleansing program because it stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow. The twisting, bending, and stretching movements of yoga massage all the internal organs, enhancing purification and rejuvenation. Even15 minutes of daily yoga practice provides significant health benefits. (more…)

Stretching is also an essential component of a purification program. Not only does stretching feel good, but it helps to cleanse your tissues and organs by relieving the energy blocks caused by physical and emotional stressors. Your body naturally wants to stretch, so take a few minutes first thing in the morning to wake up with a couple of stretches, or in the evening to release any tension that you may have accumulated throughout the day. Stretching exercises can also be integrated into your day to prevent tension from building up and as a way of helping you stay attuned to your body’s needs. (more…)

Before you start running you need your muscles warmed up, your blood flowing in your veins, and your metabolic rate up. It is not a good idea to get straight out of bed and run. When you have been inactive and your muscles are stiff or cold you are far more apt to pull a muscle or injure a joint. A few exercises or simply moving about the house briskly for five or ten minutes will get your body ready for your run. If you have time, you can do a few exercises to limber the back of your legs, tighten your tummy muscles, and strengthen your ankles—all things that fill in the few muscle gaps that running leaves. Dr. Sheehan recommends six different stretching and firming exercises that have become regular practice for many runners. They take five minutes or so to do: (more…)