Fitness enthusiasts are now moving out of the gym space to explore new methods of reaching their weight loss and health goals. Getting fit is increasingly becoming more about living an active life rather than just following diets and workout routines. Fitness then becomes more of a lifestyle change; a way to lead a healthier and happier life.
Let’s talk about fitness that focuses on not only nourishing the body, but the entire being. One cannot achieve a fit body with a troubled mind and soul. Only when your muscles are relaxed and your mental state is positive can you concentrate on the physical aspect of fitness. Here are a few approaches to fitness that are more “holistic” than mechanical and scientific.
Yoga
Time and again the benefits of taking some time out for meditation have been highlighted. It calms the mind and the spirit considerably.
How does it help?
Yoga has been linked to lower levels of depression. Just an hour of practicing yoga poses can raise the level of Gamma-Amino Butyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This amino acid is responsible for reducing stress, helping with anxiety and improving the mood. Yoga therefore, helps you meditate your way to happiness. There’s a plethora of body benefits as well. Asanas are very effective in erasing muscle pain and aches. Even two yoga classes a week can help with body pain faster than pain medicines and physical therapy.
Posing improves overall body posture and is a great way to stretch the muscles. Accompanying your running sessions and gym workouts with yoga will make you less prone to injuries and the stretching will help get better results from your workouts. Yogis know that yoga is also a form of strength training. When you move from one asana to another, you lift a lot of your body weight. This helps build muscles and tone the body.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has many solutions for fitness. Essential oils have always played an important role in health and fitness for athletes. The practical use of aromatherapy aids sports performance.
How does it help?
Firstly, essential oils strengthen the immune system and regulate breathing. Rubbing aroma oils on the palms of your hand and breathing into them or lighting aroma therapy candles can do a lot to improve the activity of cells and organs in the body. Inhaling eucalyptus and tea tree oils make the immune system’s responses stronger. Secondly, aroma oils enhance sports performance. The pre-exertion and post-exertion massage has a way of relieving pain and stimulating muscle responses. Lavender and Sage oils help with muscle pain and aches. Gently massaging these oils on the limbs after workouts or after a sports practice session will result in faster recovery from muscle pain and fatigue. These oils also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Apart from aiding body massages, lemon and rosemary aromatherapy massage oils improve levels of concentration which is very important during workouts. Using aroma oils as after bath rubs make you feel more confident and beautiful from within. The scent of aroma oils performs the dual function of enhancing physical activity and relaxing the mind.
Going Vegan
Veganism has become a food fad among fitness freaks. It is known for its effectiveness with weight loss through a very specific kind of diet. It also involves lifestyle changes. The basic principle of veganism is to eliminate the use and consumption of all animal derived products in our daily lives.
How does it help?
Vegan eating restructures your diet so that you not only lose weight, but lead a more energetic, active and longer life. Vegan diets are more about food that make you feel better rather than just cutting down on carbs. The principles of veganism are geared towards protecting the earth, the animals and spiritual growth.
Eating all natural food is all about eating your way towards weight loss. The diet involves nutritious meal plans and cleanses to detoxify the body. Those who have tried vegan diets often report that they feel a lot better eating only plant based foods. Eating wholesome natural food without preservatives is known to show almost immediate results for weight loss.
Fitness Escapes
Traveling for fitness is the new trend among those who love fitness and adventure. An increasing number of people are taking to exotic destinations in search of the right workout routine. Leaving the hectic urban lifestyle behind, heading towards a fitness retreat is a sure way to meet your fitness goals.
How does it help?
Not only is taking a break a good way to unwind and relax, it is also a way to explore new platforms to get fit. Beach locations are a surfer’s paradise and a great option for those who like water sports. Fitness enthusiasts are also taking to mountainous terrains with bike trails with breath-taking surroundings. These are a great change of scene for those who go cycling as a part of their fitness regime. Travelling not only gives you a fulfilling spiritual experience but also a new avenue to get fit outside the gym.
Alternative approaches to health and fitness are fast gaining popularity. Nurturing the mind and soul along with the body is the new method for staying healthy and fit. To learn more visit www.PhorceFitness.com and follow me on Facebook for new updates to the blog, videos and more at www.Facebook.com/PhorceFitness
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