Are you losing your mind? Keep your mind sharp with mind-body exercise!

Keep your mind sharp with mind-body exercise! What are mind-body exercises? Simply put, mind body exercise consists of movements that require you to think about what you are doing. You really have to pay attention to the placement of your body parts. The mind is active controlling the body and is able to stay in the moment. Some call this being in the flow, I call it dynamic meditation. It is not mindless like doing something that is habitual like walking or cycling. You could walk for an hour and your mind will think about all kinds of things - never about where your hand is going or your foot. Mind-body exercise requires that you learn a pattern or a sequence of movements. The exercise would be “new” to you and require a lot of practice to master. And even after practicing for many months or years you will always be learning more because your body will adjust to what you are doing and you can always improve or learn more. You could also learn other types of mind body exercises. Examples of mind-body exercise are Yoga, Tai-chi/Qigong and Dance. Researchers already know that physical activity and exercise improve health and cognition. In this analysis, they are interested in finding out if a mild or moderate activity like mind-body practices will improve cognition because older adults are more likely to do something that is simple, and not to intense. The most popular and promoted activity is walking, but walking does not improve cognition. Who says that mind-body exercise can improve cognition? And why should I believe them? Lately, there has been an explosion of researchers studying mind-body exercises. They are particularly interested in the health [...]

Fluid Zen (Qigong and Tai Chi in the water)

I love the water and have been an aquafitness instructor/trainer for 25 years.   While studying qigong I asked one of my teachers what he thought about practicing Qigong in the water.  He told me that water is an excellent medium for Qigong because water magnifies the benefits of Qigong. Many years ago I went to an aquatic therapy conference in Washington D.C., while there I learned about Tai chi in the water and later became certified to teach Ai Chi.  Ai Chi is a set of Tai chi movements designed for the water.  Both Tai chi and Qigong are perfect for the water.   When you watch someone do Qigong and Tai chi it looks like they are in the water.  Water supports the slow flowing movements and helps the learner achieve success early. Fluid Zen is a combination of Ai Chi and many forms of Qigong done in a warm pool (90 degrees).   I begin and end each class with a few movements of Ai Chi, followed by several qigong poses from the different styles I have learned.  Currently, I incorporate the 18 Luohan hands , the five yin organ routine, and Tai Chi Shibashi.   Shibashi is beautiful flowing form and will be perfect in the water!  I am currently studying Daisy Lee's Radiant Lotus Qigong and will introduce you to this amazing form that is just for women this summer (2019). Practicing in the water allows for more freedom of movement.  You can get more range of motion in the water, sink deeper into the poses and the warm water assists with relaxation.   Come and try a class!  I am so excited to be teaching at two pools in Oakville!   Click here [...]

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