A lot of people dislike running and want to relax and have a stress relieving workout. This is a great idea for those who need to focus on the present moment and still move and burn calories. What is meditation? Meditation is staying present in the moment not focusing on your to-do list, being one with nature and being present with yourself. While your on your walk you should be in tune with your body, notice what hurts or what doesn't, notice how your foot strikes the ground as your walking. Pay attention to your senses what do you hear, see, smell, touch your probably not tasting but you get the idea.
Now below are some cues and questions for you to contemplate while on your walk. I recommend walking for 30-60 minutes to get a stress relieving, relaxing all while still working out walk. Try to squeeze this workout into your weekly routine.
Body Image Relaxation:
- How does your body feel? Scan your body for a moment now, starting at your feet, simply noticing how your body is feeling.
- Notice your feet... ankles... legs.... hips. Continue scanning your body, moving upward to your stomach, back, chest, sides. Mentally scan your hands, arms, and shoulders... your neck, head, and face.
- Where is your body the most tense? Where is your body the most relaxed?
- Just notice the state of tension and relaxation in your body.
- Notice how your body relaxes... bit by bit.... without any effort on your part. See how your muscles become a little bit looser... less tense.... naturally, just because you are taking a moment to sit quietly and relax. Without any effort or input from you... without you even trying... your body becoming slightly more relaxed with each passing moment.
- Think about your body image... what is body image? Maybe you think about the picture in your mind you have of what your body looks like. Maybe it's the ideas you have about your body... your feelings about your physical self. Perhaps body image is is a vision of how you think your body should be. What does body image mean to you?
- Take a moment now to consider your thoughts and ideas about your own body. How are you feeling right now, thinking about your body image? You might feel neutral, content, comfortable, uncomfortable, satisfied, dissatisfied, happy or unhappy, angry, afraid, accepting..... maybe a combination of things.... contradictory feelings are common.... and it is okay to feel however you are feeling.
The above meditation and more are located at www.innerhealthstudio.com
Enjoy and start relaxing during your workout this week.
As always check out www.safiretraining.com for more fitness information.
In good health,
Andrea
