I read an interesting book called “Move Your DNA: Restore Your Health Through Natural Movement” by Katy Bowman. The author of the book encourages us to stop the “shoulds” of exercising and just enjoy moving. I like this concept a lot because it reinforces that movement is a natural and important part of staying mobile and healthy.
“Move your DNA” explains the science behind our need for natural movement – right down to the cellular level. It examines the differences between the movements in a typical hunter – gatherer’s life and the movements in our own. It shows the many problems with using exercise like movement vitamins instead of addressing the deeper issue of a poor movement diet. Best of all, “Move Your DNA” contains the corrective exercises, habit modifications, and simple lifestyle changes we need to make in order to free ourselves from disease and discover our naturally healthy, reflex driven selves. From couch potatoes to professional athletes, new parents to seniors, readers will love Katy’s humorous, passionate, and above all science based guide to restoring your body and reclaiming your life.
Just Move!
We don’t need to drive to the gym, run to the neighborhood park, grab the dumbbells, or even put on a Yoga video to get our “exercise” in. Instead, all we have to do is move a little more. If we just start moving, we can gain just as much benefit… without even thinking about scheduling our exercise routine into our day! The added bonus is that movement helps keep our minds open and flexible!
“Stagnant muscles create stagnant minds”, shared the late Tao Porchon-Lynch, Senior Yoga Teacher, in a Ted Talk Video. But, how could this be so? What do our muscles have to do with our minds? It’s simple physiology, really! Moving our bodies stimulates blood flow to every tissue and cell. As a result, that flow revitalizes and energizes us so we can do more things, learn more things and enjoy more things.
Memory, Coordination and Cross-directional movement patterns are a great way to keep your mind sharp and your smile big. Join Tatis, Academy-Certified Chair Yoga Teacher, as she shares just one of the many fun and stimulating Yoga sequences.
It doesn’t take much
Every day, in some small way, move the moving parts of you! Fidget! Point and flex your toes, circle your ankles, reach your arms up high, bend down to pick something up, and twist when you look behind you. These simple movements are so easy and beneficial, you might just skip the treadmill without any guilt!
In conclusion, if you blame age for making your joints and muscles stiff and painful… think again. Just because you are not 30 years old any longer doesn’t mean your natural body mechanics should degrade. Yoga helps to move the “moving parts” to keep you feeling loose, flexible, strong and energetic.
Let’s keep moving!
Sherry
To watch a video related to this Topic, click on an image below:
Note: The videos listed are included in all YogaVista.TV subscription plans.
Fascia-nating! Why We Need to Move and Groove
Move like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Tom Jones!
“Just Joints” for Better Mobility and Strength
Sometimes you just need to Breathe… and Move a little! with Maria
Not 30 Any More! But Moving Daily!
Move for Pleasure not just for Exercise with Viki
Online Workshops related to this Topic:
Note: This Workshop is included in all YogaVista.TV subscription plans. It is an excerpt from the full 4-Hour workshop below: Foundations of Yoga for Seniors and the Anatomy of Aging.
Workshop: Yoga for Aging - The Anatomy of Movement
We are all aging… that is undeniable. However, what happens to our bodies as we age varies from person to person. Although there are universal aspects of aging, we can actually modify and/or control many of them in order to lead healthier lives. In this Workshop, Sherry Zak Morris, C-IAYT and E-RYT, discusses what happens to our structures as we age. In addition, she explains how these structural changes can be manifested in people over the age of 50 via their posture and gait (walking pattern). Lastly, she provides information on what we can do in a Yoga practice to counteract these changes and/or diminish their progression.
Online Workshop: Foundations of Yoga for Seniors and the Anatomy of Aging
The vast majority of Americans are growing into their senior and golden years. In other words, they are beginning to experience the physical effects of aging. In this Workshop, Sherry Zak Morris, C-IAYT and E-RYT, will teach you about the aging body and how Yoga can help! Furthermore, Sherry will describe the issues facing this student community. Lastly, she will give you the tools and confidence necessary to teach to this demographic.
CREDITS: Author, Sherry Zak Morris, Certified Yoga Therapist
Editor, Maria Perez, Certified Yoga & Group Fitness Instructor