What Does Mind & Body Fitness Mean?
The mind and body are inseparable aspects of ourselves. A Zen Buddhist philosopher defines the body and mind relationship as “body and mind are not two and not one”. Considering these aspects, the IDEA mind-body fitness committee defines mind-body exercise as physical exercise executed with a profoundly inwardly directed focus. To explain further, mind & body fitness exercises aim to target mental well-being with physical actions.
In addition, mind-body exercises have five common attributes between them. For example, inner mental focus, concentration on muscular movement, synchronization of muscle movement with breathing, attention to form and alignment, and belief in life energy.
The regular practice of exercises increases our strength, mental resilience, cardiovascular functioning, and flexibility. The popular mind-body fitness exercises are Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Pilates. [Read more…]