http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/world-us-canada-18068548world-us-canada-18068548
A video my father was shown in his rehab post his double heart bypass surgery.
RELAXATION
It is essential to begin a session in a relaxed style to focus on the present movement, and to nurture the mind and body.
BREATHING
It is vital to learn how to use various breathing techniques and to practice Lateral Thoracic Breathing while performing Pilates. Oxygen assists the mind to function at its optimum, and allows the body to continuously produce healthy new cells. It also has a healing effect, and carries away waste products to increase your energy.
ALIGNMENT
Conscious body control enables better posture and self- healing. Pilates concentrates on joint alignment for every pose and movement, which retrains the body to achieve muscular balance.
CORE STRENGTH
Core stability is a conjunction of the Transverse Abdominus, Pelvic Floor, Diaphragm, Internal Obliques, Lumbar Multifidus, Erector Spinae, Quadratus Lumborum, and Thoracolumbar Fascia all working together to form a strong postural base from which to exert movement. Pilates constantly activates and strengthen core stability.
MOVEMENT TECHNIQUE
Each pose and movement has a specific technique to re-educate your muscles to improve posture and core strength.
1. Yama
Yama refers to universal ethics such as peace, honesty, controlling sexual energy, and avoiding over-consumption. Basically, it means to respect and be true to yourself and to others.
2. NIYAMA
Niyama guides us with our personal disciplines to be pure, clean, content, dedicated, devoted, constantly self-searching and devoted to God. We will make many mistakes ad wander from our paths, but strength comes from being aware of these detours and using such experiences to make a stronger soul, and to honour ourselves.
3. ASANA
Asana exists to stretch and strengthen the body, and to consistently use the body’s full range of movement to make it mobile, strong and to release toxins.
4. PRANAYAMA
Pranayama are breathing techniques used to increase and direct the energy in the body and to boost energy levels and steady wild mind patterns.
5. PRATYAHARA
Pratyahara reminds us to withdraw ourselves from constant stimulation and material satisfaction on a regular basis, and to relax. It makes us acknowledge that we control how we perceive our own realities.
6. DHARANA
Dharana is the practice of taming the mind, controlling thoughts, and maintaining positive patterns of thinking.
7. DHYANA
Dhyana entails concentrating on your breath, allowing relaxation by simply sitting, lying down and observing, or walking in meditation.
8. SAMADHI
Samadhi is a state which is achieved when a balance and union exists with everything around us.
Fusion Yoga & Pilates is an ideal preparation for labour, birth and motherhood.
When first performing the poses and movements you may feel awkward and stiff; however, after regular practice the body and muscle memory will allow you to stretch, adapt and become more flexible and supple. As you feel your baby grow, you will also experience your own inner growth. Increase body and mind awareness will be the ultimate training for labour, birth and motherhood. Exercise is good for your baby too.
Studies show that babies born to mother who exercise during pregnancy may benefit from better stress tolerance and advanced neurodevelopment maturity. As you already know exercise during pregnancy include improved cardiovascular function, improved attitude, mood, quicker recovery and improved fitness.
Fusion Yoga & Pilates for Pregnancy is a deck of 40 instructional cards which are invaluable training for labour, as your will learn about your body and mind and encourgae you to form a deeper connection with not only yourself but your baby too.
So if you are pregnant and want to practice at home or learn more about yoga and Pilates before you attend a class- head to www.fusionyoga.com.au and check out the Fusion deck for pregnancy or if you know someone who is pregnant- it is a perfect gift for their baby shower!
The importance of restoration is essential. Prioritising rest is your new goal. Many people feel guilty if they were to take time out to rest, simply be horizontal, read a book, listen to music, and/or meditate. The body recuperates in its time of rest; it heals, rebuilds and grows. In order to rest the mind, we need to find time regularly to relax from stresses of the day. It is imperative that we refuse to feel guilty when we take time to just be quiet , and let the mind relax.
Over the past year I have moved house and location, got married and had a baby! These are all massive amazing changes and this year I have committed to rest more; creating balance with baths, reading, walks, Fusion Yoga & Pilates, and creating time to be present as a mother, wife, daughter and friend. What are you going to do today to rest and restore?
