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.
How To Achieve The Best of Mind & Body?
There are many ways to achieve the best version of yourself-both physical and mental. But the most important of them all is physical exercise and diet. If you can win over these two, you are good to go as the benefits of both complement each other. It must be noted that these activities must be a part of your daily life even if you not looking towards weight gain/loss and/or strength gain.
Physical Exercise
The US CDC reports regular exercise improves brain health, helps weight management, reduces the risk of diseases, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves cognitive functions. Further, immediate benefits of exercise include blood pressure control, better sleep and lesser anxiety.
Another research shows physical exercise increases exercise ability and cardiopulmonary fitness in cardiac disease patients.
Yoga is another great technique to balance body and mind. The frequency and duration of yoga vary with each individual. The research concludes that “there exists an indisputable connection between a person’s overall physical and mental health and the inner peace and well-being yoga is designed to achieve”.
Diet
A diet rich in necessary nutrients is a must-have for everyone to thrive. WHO suggests eating food rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, plant protein, and antioxidants. It also suggests cutting down our salt, sugar, saturated fat, and industry-processed foods.
The US CDC suggests eating healthy and nutrition-rich food prolongs our life and keeps us healthy and strong, lowers disease risks, and promotes neuroplasticity that helps in improving brain functioning. The researchers at Harvard also point out that eating healthy is a must for everyone no matter if you are on a weight-loss spree or not.
How To Achieve The Best Results In Lesser Time?
No matter how many fitness videos you watch or read blogs on the internet, you can’t discount the need for a fitness coach. An expert understands the complexity of the human body and the best practices to achieve better fitness.
Research suggests that a fitness coach working with a small group may positively impact your commitment to exercise. Moreover, the Journal of Strength & Conditioning published a study in 2014 that proved people with trainers increased their aerobic capacity by an average of 7% more than those without trainers.
A holistic life coach will help you boost your metabolism which will further result in a lean physique and an active brain. He/She covers two primary levels of your functionality- body, and brain.
In continuation, the coach will analyze your complete physical well-being covering all the necessary aspects like metabolism, respiratory system, physical energy levels, weight, height, etc. As per your current self, you will get a personalized action plan to get fitter.
In parallel to the physical transformation, the coach shall also help you with mental health. The aim is to reduce stress, anxiety, & depression, and boost motivation & confidence. If you easily get headaches, nausea, vertigo, etc. the prevention measures shall be integrated into your fitness routine.
The Mind Body Fitness Coach is a great add-on credential for yoga teachers, Pilates instructors, and holistic-minded fitness trainers.
You’ll gain a broad knowledge of mind-body exercises and fitness concepts, strategies and methods. You will discover a wide variety of scientifically proven mind-body practices to enhance health, reduce stress and give your clients great joy.
Becoming a Certified Wellness Coach is the perfect addition for the fitness professional who wants to offer more all-inclusive wellness services to clients.
The time is now for you to enjoy this exciting and rewarding career, which offers you personal fulfillment while improving the lives of others.
Spencer Institute certification programs are open to anyone with a desire to learn and help others. There are no prerequisites.
That’s it for now.
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