The Price of Fitness: Anna Unson - Price
Our lives today are much faster-paced than they were for our parents and grandparents. In this day and age we have more noise, more pollution, more cars, more traffic, and more equipment that saves us time so that we manage to fit in even more things to do in a day. Whether this kind of lifestyle is stressful or fulfilling, we still need to take a break, put aside a little time for ourselves.
Even just a few minutes a day to have all to yourself is nothing short of precious. No phone calls, texts, email to see to -- just you, your body, and anywhere from 5-30 minutes of beneficial time to focus. And the best part about it is that the peace of mind and feeling of well-being that you can get out of it is completely free! Even iff you have to get out of bed just a little bit earlier to make the most of this time, it’ll be worth every second.
TRY YOGA
Even at the novice level, regular yoga works all the body’s systems, toning the muscles, stimulating the circulation and improving overall health. Your flexibility and posture will improve, your breathing techniques will be more effective, and you will feel calmer and more relaxed, more capable of functioning efficiently under pressure and concentrating your energies.
The yoga positions shown here are not meant to teach you yoga, but to show you how to get a feel of the asanas and become more familiar with them and with your body. Even if you cannot do them all in the beginning, you will improve slowly but surely, although your improvement depends on how regularly you train.
Wear comfortable clothes and choose a quiet environment if possible. You can put on soft music to help you relax and turn off the ringer of your phone.
In the beginning do not stay long in the postures. Wait until you are comfortable with them and your capability increases. Do not strain to hold a posture -- instead, gradually lengthen the time spent in each and you will find that you will improve performance quite noticeably.
BREATHING
Inhale when performing upward movements, exhale when doing downward ones. Think of starting a movement at the beginning of an inhalation or exhalation and conclude it at the end of the same breath. Do not hold the breath in the postures.
CAUTION
Always ask your doctor before beginning any exercise program, and do not try these movements on your own if you are pregnant, diabetic, have high blood pressure, heart disease or recent post-operative conditions.
BASIC GUIDELINES
Wait for several hours after a heavy meal or 2-3 after a snack.
Empty the bladder before you start.
Work on a non-slip mat or floor.
Remove hard contact lenses.
In my next column issue, watch out for the moves to try. However, if you would like to try a basic yoga session, you can join us for our annual Yoga for Education on Wednesday, June 7th at 7:30 pm at the Somerset Olympia Apartments on Makati Avenue. This class is for the benefit of our night scholar who we have been sponsoring with the help of our yoga participants. Our scholar is now on her 3rd year of high school and has impressive grades and her cheerfulness and enthusiasm in spite of her difficulties is inspiring considering that she and her family have to constantly worry about baon, shoes, transpo, etc.
The class will be specifically geared towards beginners but will be an excellent resistance, flexibility and fat-burning workout. Meditation and visualization at the end will concentrate on teaching the Yoga Breath or diaphragmatic breathing. All proceeds of the session will go to our scholar’s tuition. Contact 09179613765 or annaprice@skydsl.com.ph for information and reservations.
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