Like so many of you, I have embarked with newfound zeal on my own health
and fitness program.
With all the time pressures from my two businesses, running a household,
volunteer work and so forth, I have to admit: I let my training slip somewhat toward
the end of last year.
But that was last year. This is a fresh year. So I am off and running. I'm training
with higher intensity and more focus.
But I'm trying to be smart about it. I'm pretty young - in body, mind and heart -
for my so-called "age". But I know (from painful experience) that I operate and
progress best when I alternate "hard" with "soft" days.
For example, yesterday I did a pretty hardcore workout. High intensity, good
tempo, lots of focus. I kicked butt. It felt great!
But I felt it this morning. As I get older, I've noticed that I can still do just about
everything I did before...but the recovery takes longer.
So, today I will do a "softer" workout. That can mean many things, but for right
now in my progression, it means I focus more on flexibility, stretching and
breathing.
I'll be doing the exact series of mobility and flexibility exercises I teach in
"Dynamic Flexibility: The Secret To Healthy, Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles
and Maximum Mobility" - http://www.overcomeasthma.com/dynamic_flex.html.
In fact, the stretching series I teach are the exact ones I have used for quite
some time to help open up my breathing and improve my asthma. They also
help anytime you are having a rough patch with your asthma and simply can
not train regularly.
The important part about training in a way that helps you recuperate, and helps
your body improve even more quickly and effortlessly, is in knowing how to
stretch and rejuvenate the muscles and connective tissues.
Today, for example, it will only take me about 15 to 18 minutes to fully, completely
stretch my entire body, including all the major joints and muscles. I may take
longer, though, because I enjoy the routine so much. It's a wonderful break
from work.
There is a natural cycle of work or struggle followed by rest and reward. You
see it throughout nature: for example, the gardener tills, plants, fertilizes, waters
and weeds for many weeks or months. The reward is the beautiful garden of
flowers, or the delicious fresh vegetables.
You can see it throughout history, going back to biblical times. For example,
the Hebrews wandered for 40 years in the desert before they were allowed into
the "promised land". God worked for 6 days, then rested on the 7th. And so
forth.
You may see this in your daily life as well. For example, you work hard on
a project, plugging and pushing away. At times you feel like you are making
minimal to no progress.
Then, you relax and let up a bit. You put the project aside for a spell. And you
suddenly receive the idea or the inspiration that helps you finish the thing...
without stress, strain or pushing.
Same thing goes for your body - and mind and spirit, for that matter. Push
yourself, go for it at certain times. But allow yourself to relax and refresh at
other times. Stretching and breathing are active ways to rejuvenate yourself.
You can successfully apply this cycle to exercise, to eating better, or to taking
virtually any type of action that will improve your asthma or your health.
So, as you plan your day or week, build in times to work hard and push yourself.
Alternate these with times when you relax and reward yourself.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much more quickly and enjoyably you
begin to finish those projects and start hitting your goals.
You Can Do It!
Karen Van Ness
http://www.OvercomeAsthma.com
P.S. Be sure to get your copy of "Dynamic Flexibility: The Secret To Healthy,
Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles and Maximum Mobility", while it's still available
at the special pre-publication price. Time is almost up on this special, as I should
be receiving the first shipment of program books early next week. Go to
http://www.overcomeasthma.com/dynamic_flex.html for more information or to
order your copy. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose, by trying this
life-enhancing program for yourself.
Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007
**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**
