Stand up Straight!

Those of you who are regular GYROTONIC practitioners know how you feel after a workout: longer, lighter, more relaxed, more awake, like a new person. Our instructors are a talented bunch, but what you are feeling isn't magic. The simultaneous strengthening and stretching exercises you perform in the GYROTONIC Expansion System result in a more aligned skeletal framework. In simplest terms, you improve your posture. Aside from looking taller and thinner and feeling longer and lighter, looks like Mom was right and good posture is important for your overall health.

Proper alignment allows muscles to work more efficiently, which means better endurance, strength, flexibility and decreased chance of injury. Good posture is also important for a healthy spine and nervous system. The nervous system controls most of the body's vital functions; keeping it free of impingement is paramount for overall health and function. Posture even impacts your breathing. Better ability to take full breaths means more oxygen to your heart and brain - allowing you to relax and think more clearly.

We do our best to set you straight while you're at the studio, but it's up to you to maintain the alignment lessons as you go about your day. Think about reaching through the crown of the head while you're sitting at your desk or carrying the groceries. Ever tried gentle narrowing of the pelvis while climbing the stairs? Are you breathing fully while writing that proposal? Do you keep a long spine and engaged core when lifting a heavy item off the floor? It only takes a little effort to maintain the postural alignment we help you find in your sessions. We want the best for our clients so at the risk of sounding like Mom...well, you get the idea.

Is RICE part of your fitness routine?

If you are physically active chances are pretty high that you have had an injury of sorts. While we hate to be sidelined or have interruptions in our routine when we're on a roll or have goals to meet, we often underestimate the real amount of time and care our bodies need for adequate repair. Even if the pain subsides and other signs of injury aren't present, continuing on with your routine without consideration could come back and bite you down the road.

A recent New York Times article on anke health gives an overview of the steps you should take when an injury occurs and why swift action is important. Included is an indispensible recipe for RICE. Follow the instructions and you'll be feeling better in no time!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/health/28brod.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Looking for Six-Pack Abs?

Have you been focusing on getting the much-heralded "six-pack abs"? You may be focusing on the eye candy and missing out on the real work required for a strong, healthy body. Check out an enlightening article The New York Times published http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/magazine/21FOB-physed-t.html) on the crunch-focused fitness trend that has developed in the last twenty years. Your Fluid Fitness family has always emphasized training that gives you a strong, stable and flexible body with healthy joints. That's the real treat we've been craving.