Psst: want the key to happier workouts and whoa results? Sync your brain and body. We’ll show you how
For many, a yoga class is the first time the mind-body connection (matching breath to movements, thinking about each muscle as it stretches or squeezes) is a major component of their workout. But the same concept can – and should – be applied to all exercise. “The ability to focus on your muscles as you work out can actually help produce more growth and strength,” says kinesiologist Dean Somerset. And being mindful of how you move has positive impacts on your brain too. While some people are born with a better mind-body sense (e.g. your super coordinated friend), practice can help you perfect yours. In time, a stronger head-to toe feedback loop leads to more power, fewer injuries and bigger mood boosts from your workouts. Use these steps – tailored for every stage of activity – wherever your sweat takes you.
Ready, set, think!
Slow down to start
Most of us carry a lot of stress in our bodies that can hinder our workouts, says physical therapist Dr Jen Esquer. You can release it by turning on your parasympathetic nervous system, which will eliminate overall tension and increase muscle activation and mobility. Here’s how: take slow breaths into your nose and out through pursed lips. As you breathe, think of filling up the space in your lower ribcage rather than your chest. Search your body for tension (like in your jaw) and let it go. This body-scanning meditation – which you can perform yourself or with an app like Headspace – helps guide you and warms up the mind-body mechanism, notes cognitive scientist Dr Sian Beilock. Keep going until you feel your muscles release and your body relax.
Visualise a perfect workout
この記事は Women's Health South Africa の September 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Women's Health South Africa の September 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.
