I've discovered over the years of moving and teaching movement that when it comes to waking up the body, nothing beats the bodymind work of Pilates. It comes down to this: some exercises and ways of moving simply are better than different kinds - especially in the morning. Now, I need to qualify that word, "better". By "better", I am referring to methods of movement that engage our body and wake up neuromuscular pathways in a more mindful, efficient, and holistic way. I love cardio. I love riding my bike and getting outside. But Pilates, though quite intense, as you well know, is designed to use the least amount of energy to achieve the deepest work. That's why I practice mat Pilates in the morning to wake up my body, I take deep breaths before I look at my phone, and the first thing I ingest is H2O - and lots of it! And you should too. Yup. Here's a few more tidbits why being good to your body in the morning sets you up for the rest of your day - let's make it a good one.
out of a tube. If we gently lubricate our joints and especially our spinal joints by yawning and rolling and reaching, we allow for that fluid to in essence, "melt" a bit and help us to move more freely and comfortably.
I know, I know. But when we check our phone first thing in the morning we are bombarded with too much information. Work e-mails. Texts from last night. Missed messages. That sudoku game we forgot to shut down. And by doing this we begin the opposite process of focusing, and rather, we begin the process of SCATTERING. This literally follows us throughout the day, disrupting focus, flow, and even potentially damaging our memory. Just Say NO - to cell phones in the morning.
day - not liquid, actually WATER. But generally, if you're thirsty, you're body is telling you drink, so grab a glass of filtered water and go to town! If you workout and sweat a lot, drink even more. Squeeze half a lemon or add some herbs to help you get it down. But do it. For the good of your entire well-being.
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Authori'm stephanie. my last names mean "hedgehog" in Czech and "pretty calf" in French. i have an MA from Oxford in English lit, and a MFA from Riverside in experimental choreography. i like to write. i have lots of thoughts on the body. and i want to help you understand your own better. oh, i'm also plant-based and love to bake with vegan ingredients. |