fitness
Fitness regimes, advice, and trends in the Longevity health and wellness sphere.
The Ego
What is the ego? There has been talk of this going on as far back as Freud however there is such a variety of interpretation that it seems to fall somewhere in the area of mysticism. It is something that is found in everyone which is why this topic is fascinating. The dichotomy between the opposing functions of the ego is where much of the confusion lies. Some define ego as a driving force. As something we need to stay motivated and survive in the world. Others are completely against the ego knowing that it is not in fact the ego that drives us but our mind in the witnessing state. Witnessing is that state where we feeling like we are in the “zone,” so to speak. Where we are pure existence doing something we love or enjoy and are fully immersed in. It is a separateness from the body which we identify with. Our body and mind are so grounded in what we think & feel that it sometimes takes a lifetime to undo the conditioning and in most cases several lifetimes. Which one is right: science or mysticism? Both. In order to access our true self we need to step outside of the confines of the mind. Ego is what keeps us from the core of our being which is pure bliss. Acting from this place allows us to use the mind in an efficient way. The mind is like a highly technical invisible computer located in everyone that has vast capabilities of both great things & mass destruction. When the mind hinders our well-being the ego is present. Keeping this as technical as we can, one can say many people suffer from the fluctuations of the mind (Ego) which is in short what keeps us from our own equanimity. It has also been speculated that the mind is the origin of all disease as it relates to the cause and or our attitude about it. Science has figured out many ways to help control the mind mostly through the use of medication by inhibiting the feelings & thoughts that are troubling us. This method only treats the symptoms of the mind instead of eradicating the source of problem. Mysticism would suggest facing these feelings head on with a number of different lifestyle changes and techniques. The latter has proven to be very effective however extremely difficult to maintain. It is usually when life becomes difficult and throws us a curve ball that we tend to seek out these types of lifestyle changes. A good first step is looking at our adversities as a catalyst for future positive change. There are numerous ways to commence this lifestyle change however conquering just one at a time could be an approachable way to begin living these practices slowly and in a way that will facilitate the consistency needed. The practice of yoga, mindfulness and meditation has found its way back into the mainstream even though it has been around for thousands of years. People are realizing that no matter what lifestyle they have, their are bodies crave the benefits of stretching, releasing stress from their body and mind, an overall calmer presence and just plain happiness. I have encountered so many different types of people on and off the mat opening up to me about how much they know yoga and mediation can help them. It is calling out to so many people now which makes me want to get the word out as far and wide as possible. It is not easy, but with help it can happen. The first step is establishing a strong mind body connection by attending a yoga class that resonates with you. There are many different teachers and styles out there so allow yourself to explore what is our there and once you find it, do your best to stay consistent with the practice. The benefits will begin to flourish in your life and you will begin to wonder how you survived without it!
By Jackie Mazzarella8 years ago in Longevity
Exercise and Illness
Statistics show that people who work out regularly are less likely to develop cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This is common knowledge, but what about the lesser illnesses like sore throats, runny noses, and coughs—or the more serious ones like flu and pneumonia?
By Alicia Springer8 years ago in Longevity
Culture in 70% of the World Involves Being In or Under the Water
Call it Snorkeling or Freediving, it is a sport most families could enjoy together. While it will be more fun, more rapidly, if you begin with an instructor for at least one pool session for basic skills, snorkeling is close to intuitive for many people, meaning this is an adventure you can enjoy almost immediately.
By Dan Volker8 years ago in Longevity
Best Gear for Night Runners
This rundown of some of the best gear for night runners will help you stay safe and have a more fulfilling experience if you decide to go for a late-night run. Running at night is not just a great way to get your exercise fix, it's also great for the mind and soul, as it can be an extremely peaceful activity. You'll also find that this gear for night runners is ideal if you like to head for an early morning jog.
By Alicia Springer8 years ago in Longevity
Super Cheap Ways to Live Healthy in the New Year
You don’t need the latest yoga bralette, the fanciest juice cleanse, or a personal trainer to eat healthy, stay fit and sane, keep your house clean the natural way, and be good to the planet. If those match your goals for the New Year, read on for ideas on how to do it all on the tiniest budget. (And I DON’T mean a middle-class income - I’m talking here about things that I’ve done when my husband was in law school and I stayed home with my son and we lived on less than $20k per year.) It doesn't have to be beans and rice and weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth if you do it the smart way, so get excited to learn how you can live a good life no matter how small your paycheck.
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Longevity
Yoga Vs Pilates
I am qualified to teach both Yoga and Pilates, and though my preference, by and large, is Yoga, I am going to try and make this as non-biased as possible. I began my Yoga journey 8 years ago but Pilates is fairly new to me. Frequently thrown into the same pot, I think most people are under the impression that Yoga and Pilates are exactly the same. I was also under this impression. Largely because, when I began training to teach Yoga, my school offered me a discounted rate on the Pilates course based on the fact I would already have the required anatomy and physiology certificates to go forward with another course. At first I didn’t want to, I had never taken a Pilates class in my life and didn’t think it would be possible to learn an entirely new skill alongside learning to teach it. However, I was assured that Pilates was EXACTLY like Yoga and that the qualifications went hand in hand. A lot of Studios look for teachers qualified in both.
By Samantha Bentley8 years ago in Longevity
The Comfiest Organic Clothing Brands
If you’re anything like me, you occasionally realize that your closet is full of scratchy, stuffy, too-small shirts, pants, and dresses that you simply never wear. Whether you Konmari it (“does this sweater spark joy??”) or use the backward-hanger method (“I can’t believe I really didn’t wear that for an entire year!”), once you get tossing it’s hard to stop. Then, of course, it’s time to replenish your wardrobe. Instead of choosing whatever H&M’s got on their shelves this season (or other chemical-filled, sweatshop-made options), consider adding only clothing that’s responsibly made and always organic. The following brands offer some of the cosiest, softest, most dreamy options for lounging, stretching, yoga-ing, and sleeping. They’ll quickly become your favorite pieces, and you’ll feel good knowing that what you’re wearing supports textile workers in caring for their families and living healthy lives.
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Longevity
Yoga to Stay Young
Yoga makes you feel and look more youthful. It literally slows the aging process by stretching the body. Muscles can be developed two ways: by building them up into hard little knots of power, which is what you get when you lift weights, or by making them flexible and elastic, which is what you get when you practice yoga. Kinesiologists learn toward the latter method of body development, evenly distributing lean tissue, rather than tightly packed muscle bulges. The younger you are when you begin a yoga practice, the probability increases for extended life and better health.
By Mackenzie Lu8 years ago in Longevity
Choosing A Personal Trainer
I was never a hugely active person up until about 6 years ago, in the sense that I wasn’t really aware of how to eat properly and I had never set foot in a gym. I ran cross country while I was at school and I was pretty good at it, but that was about as far as my fitness went. I think I took part in one PE lesson in my entire time at secondary school because of my fear of a) being hit with balls b) looking stupid c) being the last picked for a team and d) getting changed in front of the other girls.
By Samantha Bentley8 years ago in Longevity
Holy Crap I'm 40: Aquasize Edition
Turning 40 is an adventure. Everything I have eaten or learned or cried over or loved has taken me to this age. My mother would always say that, "The alternative is worse." Which basically means that if I wasn't turning 40, it would mean that I am dead, so I should be grateful for the new decade I am about to embark on. Things I didn't have to worry about in my teens or 20s are now at the forefront. But I will keep breathing, put a big smile on my cynical face and carry on. After all, 40 is the new 30 and 30 is the new 20, so perhaps, I am still really 16.
By Banji Ganchrow8 years ago in Longevity
History of Morihei Ueshiba's Aikido
Aikido was founded by master Morihei Ueshiba who lived to be 86 years old. Born outside Osaka, Japan in 1883, Ueshiba travelled to Tokyo in his late teens to seek martial arts training. Although he investigated many systems he concentrated on Yagyu Shinkage Ryu (kenjutsu), the Hozoin Spear Style (sojutso) and Tenji Shinyo Ryu (jujutsu). Each practice emphasizes a spiritually and physically healthy body.
By Alicia Springer8 years ago in Longevity
Things You Must Have in Your 40s
What we need in our forties is the amalgamation of decades of our must haves. When we are babies, we need the basics like food, diaper changes, human interaction and some toys. When we are teenagers, we need patience from our parents and teachers and acceptance of our friends. And we had to have the latest tech and stylish clothing.
By Alicia Springer8 years ago in Longevity