Some people think that working hard and fast is the way to go to maintain their fitness and health. Working hard is doing free weights and weight machines fast and furiously like a non stop vigorous boot camp class. I have heard from my clients that it is an endorphin high. I have also heard from other clients that spinning is very orgasmic.

Well guess what the are ways to get that high feeling and moving soft by doing Mind Body Fitness Techniques. To name a few; tai chi, Chi Quong, The Nia Technique, Pilates and Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic.

Basically what all these Mind Body Techniques have in common and the ability to do are to free the energy from the feet on up and throughout the body so that one can move with complete ease and efficiency.

How is this done?
Simply by moving from the Core of the Body. First, is it done by using the breath followed by connecting the breath to the center or core of the body located between the top of the pubic bone and the belly button. Once one feels the connection to the center of their body and make it the starting point for all movement then one can move from a balanced place in your body. The benefits of this balanced way of moving decreases your chances of injury. Most of time, injury occurs when one compensates from one side of the body to another. Another words, one starts to favor one side more than the other.

Furthermore, there has been a misconception of what Core work really means. I have heard from my clients that they were taught to tighten their abdominals and sometimes their glutes all times in order to be connected to their Core. Consistently tightening and contract the abdominals it will interfere with the digestive process. Eventually the back muscles will tighten or contract. Furthermore, if you consistently tighten the glutes the sciatica nerve will activate and will result with shooting pain down the legs.
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Longevity is the key word here. You have a choice if you want to work hard and eventually blow out your joints or work softer and age gracefully.

Someone asked me recently: Why do you do Gyrotonic?

Honestly, it's a great question. With so many different kinds of exercise out there, why would anyone choose Gyrotonic? Or Pilates? The answer to that question is a simple one. In my 35 years of movement experience, I've found that Pilates and Gyro have been instrumental in creating my best self (and the best self for my clients). These movement systems empower people to be in their body and move intelligently. That's the most important. Gyrotonic and Pilates not only are fun to do, but they educate the body to move smarter and move safer. This ultimately prevents over-stressed muscles, injury and delays the aging process to some extent. What I mean is that the alignment that you learn in Pilates and Gyro lasts beyond the classroom. When you play tennis, or lift boxes in your garage, or go dancing, your body will remember what it learned, and you'll be better for it.

How long does it take to educate the body?

​It's going to vary from individual to individual (and will depend heavily on your exercise history)... in general, I recommend aiming for 2-3x classes per week for 5-6months. I challenge you to work with me, and the MBC staff, to find your best self. To get started, we can work together to evaluate your current fitness level and design a personalized workout plan. If you're interested, please send me an email: angi@mindbodyconnection.net

The Gyrotonic® Expansion System is composed of the Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic exercise methods. The Gyrokinesis Method, originally called “Yoga for Dancers,” is practiced on a mat & chair, and the Gyrotonic Method uses specialized equipment that permits one to move with support and resistance. Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis exercise sequences are intended to increase the functional capacity of the entire organism in a harmonious way. Both methods embrace key principles also found in swimming, dance, yoga, tai chi, and gymnastics, and emphasize continuous, flowing movements, synchronized with corresponding breath patterns.
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At Mind Body Connection Studios we are fortunate to have two Masters conducting personal training sessions and train the teacher courses in the Gyrotonic® Expansion System.  TamaraYoneda and Leslie Schickel are Master Trainers that have been practicing this system for over 20 years.

Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis exercise sequences are usually taught in a one hour private or group class at the Mind Body Connection Studio

Contact us at 510-420-0444 or angi@mindbodyconnection.net if you are interested in becoming a trainer for the Gyrotonic® Expansion System

Choose a quiet place. Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair.

Your back should be straight, but not rigid.

Rest your hands in your lap on your knees. Look down at the floor with your eyelids half-closed or close your eyes. As much as possible eliminate any stimulus that may distract you.

Bring your attention to the room where are sitting.

Hear the sounds. Feel your body. Notice and watch your breathing. Notice your breath flowing in and flowing out. Just notice and allow it to change in any way. 

When you notice your mind wandering, gently return your attention to your breath. Notice that as your breath begins to lengthen and fill your body, your mind begins to calm.

Consistency is key. Try to do this breath meditation first thing in the morning and/or at night. Be consistent with your meditation. Shorter meditations on a regular basis are more productive than long sessions every few weeks. Meditate for five minutes a day, and add one minute each week. 
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As Yogis have known for centuries and scientists are now demonstrating, the benefits of meditation are profound. Meditation is perhaps the most crucial instrument to harness the power of thought and cultivate more peace, clarity, and happiness.
Learning to train the brain and focus our attention is crucial to thriving and cultivating a peak performance in any endeavor.

Excerpts of this blog came from articles in Thrive Magazine Issue 1; page 45 by Ashley Turner; AshleyTurner.org and a PDF from DharmaCrafts Meditation Supplies;  (http://www.dharnacrafts.com)
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For asisstance in integrating breathing meditation techniques with your fitness routines, Pilates, Gyrotonic and Yamuna Body Rolling email angi@mindbodyconnection.net or call 510-420-0444 to set up an appointment.
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