Healthy body, healthy mind...

The "mind-body connection" and "body awareness" are discussed often in the media, but how do you apply what these terms really mean in order to achieve optimum health and fitness? To begin with, weight-lifting, yes, weight-lifting, exercising with free weights, is indeed a "mind-body" activity as it involves the utmost concentration and precision in order to perform the movements correctly. This essential component of a well-planned and executed comprehensive exercise program requires focus and precision as you become "aware" of each and every part of your body and learn to concentrate on properly executed movements, first in isolation and then as compound, multi-joint and full-body exercises. Weight-lifting also increases flexibility just as much if not more so than stretching, be it static, active or dynamic stretching, provided you engage in the FULL RANGE OF MOTION of each exercise during both the eccentric (lowering) and concentric (lifting) phases. Weight-lifting promotes greater and improved balance as you stand to complete the weighted movements. Weight-lifting also engages your entire core musculature since your core is hard at work making it possible for you to stand erect while performing squats, lunges and deadlifts as well as while completing leg lifts on a mat while wearing ankle weights. Weight-lifting also reduces stress and is a mood elevator as your endorphins would tell you if they could speak. You feel the release of tension as you complete each movement. Lastly, proper breathing is most certainly an integral part of correct weight-lifting technique. Inhaling while preparing for each movement and exhaling as you exert for maximum power is essential. Do take the time to safely learn to lift weights properly by paying close attention to and focusing on your form, technique and correct breathing. Fuel your body with the proper, nutrient-packed foods your body needs in order to support optimum organ function, bone mineral density and cognitive function so you too can become "aware" and experience the healthiest "mind-body" connection of your life. Stay tuned tomorrow for words of wisdom from none other than Hippocrates himself, the father of modern medicine. Until then... 

Climb, lift and eat well....