Mind-Body Fitness

The perfect fitness regime focuses on physical as well as mental fitness, so all these exercises regimes are known as mind-body fitness techniques. These mind-body fitness regimes come from all the regions portraying their specific culture and basing on their own philosophies. Here we will examine the some prominent mind-body fitness techniques.

Tai Chi Chuan is a very ancient Chinese system of exercises about 2000 years old. It is combination of dance, martial arts and mediation. It mainly focuses on the flow of life force energy or chi. Tai Chi mostly known for peace and calmness. The basic principals of Tai Chi are balancing, centering, alignment, flexibility, internal stability. Tai chi with its controlled motion and rhythmic breathing helps in attaining good muscle tone, releasing tension, bettering circulation and harmony of mind, body and spirit. Tai chi is gaining popularity as mind-body fitness technique.

Tae Bo is another mind-body fitness technique which is gaining popularity these days, mainly promoted by Billy Blanks, a renowned fitness personality and seven time world martial arts champion. Tae Bo is influenced by kick boxing and martial art, so it is not only a normal fitness technique but it brings you the challenge, motivation and enthusiasm. Tae Bo does have hard impact and not easy to carry out but the inspirational touch gets you going. It gives you the focus, determination and will to change yourself.

Gyrotonics can be said as modern min-body fitness technique, basically developed by Julio Horvath. It is the combination of gymnastics, Kundalini yoga, swimming, ballet, Tai chi. with its versatility and variety it has emerged as a competitor Pilate’s system. Gyrotonics uses a dedicated and specially designed machine which has some pulleys, resistance springs and rotating discs. The striking feature of this machine is its natural, fluid and circular motion unlike other machine which moves in a linear way. It tones the muscles naturally by contracting, expanding and stretching without any extra exertion.
Gyrotonics can be approached as a slow, gentle, exercise regime or it can be sped up for a cardiovascular goal.

The Feldenkrais method teaches an efficient and effective way of motion, developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. It is the unique combination of physical therapy and martial art that actually eradicates rigid ness and expands the range of motion. The Feldenkrais method is more like an education of smart movement patterns. This method comes in two formats, first format is the group classes also known as awareness through movement and second format is individuals sessions which are also known as functional integration. The Feldenkrais method is more beneficial for stress, chronic pain and injury. It also helps in gaining flexibility, stability, expanding the motion range and mental awareness.

Alexander Technique includes the conscious coordination of timing, flow of breathing and gentle transitional movements. They are actually targeted movements which enable the person to gain the core strength and a stable body frame on which other muscles can work. As the result of the Alexander Technique you can develop an ability to move in a manner so that you can get optimal usage of the body frame and nervous system. If we go throughout daily life with the new altered motion pattern, this will certainly change the balance of strength in the muscles and muscle stability. Pilate’s exercises will give strength to the group of muscles but with Alexander technique the coordination of these muscles would be enhanced. The Alexander Technique and Pilates method both strive for the optimal use of the muscles.