Mind body...what does it mean?

Mind-body... what exactly does that mean?

Does it mean the body of your mind? Or does it mean the mind of your body?

My professional journal has a section in every issue called mind body spirit.

So, with every new issue I am sure to read this section as I gain a clear understanding of what mind-body means.

Mind body is not a Buddhist meditating on a mountaintop somewhere in the far east.

It's also not climbing into a complicated yoga pose and seeing how long you can hold it.

Mind body is also not sitting crosslegged with your fingers turned up while humming ohms.

While we do associate the words "mind-body" with those things listed above, mind-body actually refers to the process of directing your mind to think about your body on purpose.

We have...
Mind body connections
Mind body medicine
Mind body personal training
Mind body relaxation
Mind body meditation
Mind body visualization/affirmations
Mind body yoga/tai chi
And so much more

My first real experience with mind body work was December 2008. I had began to study the core muscles and breath.

I realized the more I had directed my clients to breathe on purpose with their movement and visualize the muscles working, they advanced very quickly to the next phase of training.

Now, I incorporate breathing on purpose in all my fitness classes and trainings. I make sure each client/participant has the experience of a mind body connection while exercising.

Do you realize how easy it is to walk down your stairway everyday and not realize your knee joints are taking the brunt of the force of landing each foot on the step?

Did you know that if you use your mind to activate the gluteal muscle you will actually save your knee joint from unneeded pressure and pain?

You can't strengthen gluteal muscles if you can't contract them or feel them on purpose.

Some of the first steps I take with a new client is connecting their mind to their individual major muscle groups, helping them to activate the muscle on purpose.

The success clients have is phenomenal to say the least!

Mind body...should become a lifestyle change for everyone!

Be mindful of your body, how it feels, how it works!