If you are like me, the idea of running down the road a few miles is about as appealing as a boiling colonic. Ok …maybe not that uncomfortable but can you feel me?
One of the things that helps me get motivated to move is tapping into the energy I had as a child and finding ways to play. I loved to dance and play circus games, gymnastics, hide and seek outside and anything in or near the water. Swimming and hiking are favorites now, along with yoga, spinning poi and hooping. Hula hooping and spinning fire were a natural extension of my love of dance and music, and since the others are pretty self explanatory we will focus on those.
Hooping can burn 600 calories an hour if you really get going. I like to just put on some music and play. Benefits of hooping include:
- Massages your intestines and organs as it circles your waist
- Allows for meditative time
- Gets your heart rate up
- Increases the fitness level of the entire body
- Increases the flow of blood to the brain
- Increases energy level
- Improves coordination
- Strengthens torso muscles
- Enhances spinal flexibility
As you can see it is fun and allows for a lot of spontaneous movement. Check out http://www.hooping.org for more information and instructional videos.
My other favorite is spinning poi. This ancient practice brings me into a centered place of joy. When I have the fire poi lit, it is much more spiritual. Practicing with fabric poi is a great workout that allows for a lot of creative expression. Your mileage on calories burnt will vary but the more you move the more you lose.
...a glimpse into the joy of dancing with fire. Please note: As fun as this looks, you should be trained by a professional before actually lighting up. Stick with practice poi and get your due diligence done before introducing fire, unless you would like to check out your local burn unit for an extended vacation. See the video below for a simple intro to making your own practice poi at home.
(video with how to make sock poi)
Maybe neither of these flip your switch but the idea is to find something fun that gets you moving and get into it. Even if you enjoy Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong it is a good idea to do something that gets you moving for 30 mins 3 times a week. Your body will reward and thank you.
Nourish Yourself!
Amber
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