To continue with our overview
of the physical component
of self mastery, it goes without
saying that walking is a valuable
aerobic exercise - but you
have options. You can use
a bicycle for nice days, or
use indoor aerobic exercise
equipment for use on inclement
weather days.
My personal favorite is the
elliptical trainer. Elliptical
trainers allow you to cross
train - they are very low
impact exercise equipment
- you use upper and lower
body - and they don't cause
excessive wear in your joints.
Elliptical trainers provide
a weight bearing workout that
tones muscle, adds to bone
density, and burns more calories
than an exercise bike.
Some of my clients have literally
shed weight away with regular
use of an elliptical trainer,
Yoga classes, and a moderate
diet. That leads into the
next aspect of physical health:
your diet.
Diet has to be moderate and
something you can live with.
If your diet causes you to
be depressed, you can't stick
with it, due to your mental
health. However, that doesn't
justify a "junk food" diet.
So where do you start? Look
at your diet now and make
moderate adjustments. Don't
get pulled into a "fad diet"
that insults your intelligence
and causes rapid weight loss.
Most clients gain all that
weight back, and then some,
after they get off the quick
fix diet. Hence the nickname,
"yo-yo diets", is a suitable
label.
Yoga does have diet plans,
and eating in moderation is
a key factor. Eating affects
mental, physical, and spiritual
health. Sometimes the motivation
for excessive eating is not
due to hunger at all. Food
is used to replace an empty
feeling, and eating becomes
an emotional response, resulting
in health problems, due to
over consumption of food.
Therefore, eating should be
restricted to balanced, nutritionally
dense, and moderate meals.
You should consider your immune
system, daily nutritional
requirements, and sustaining
strength while consuming meals
and drinks throughout the
day.
Personal hygiene is another
area to consider. Yoga has
cleansing practices (Kriyas
or Shatkarmas), that would
not be entirely accepted in
the West. However, suffice
to say, that you should keep
your orifices clean, brush
your teeth and tongue, floss,
drink a lot of pure water,
monitor your skin, and listen
to your body. A little prevention
goes a long way in regard
to your health.
Yoga also teaches you how
to breathe fully from the
bottom of the lungs. There
are many Yoga breathing techniques
called, "pranayama." The best
result from this practice
is to get more oxygen into
your blood, and proper breathing
can make you feel more energetic.
The last point to bring up
about your physical health
is that you should be taking
a daily multi-vitamin and
mineral supplement. Choose
one of good quality and research
your choice. Choose an appropriate
supplement for your age and
gender.
About the Author
Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director
of Yoga teacher training at
Aura Wellness Center. He has
been a certified Master Yoga
teacher since 1995. He is
a master instructor of martial
arts. He teaches Yoga, martial
arts, and fitness to children,
adults, and seniors. Recently
he wrote: Is Running a Yoga
Business Right for You? For
Yoga students, who may be
considering a new career as
a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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