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Why Is Physical Activity Important?
Regular physical activity can produce long term health benefits. People of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities can benefit from being physically active. The more physical activity you do, the greater the health benefits.
Being physically active can help you:
Increase your chances of living longer
Feel better about yourself
Decrease your chances of becoming depressed
Sleep well at night
Move around more easily
Have stronger muscles and bones
Stay at or get to a healthy weight
Be with friends or meet new people
Enjoy yourself and have fun
When you are not physically active, you are more likely to:
Get heart disease
Get type 2 diabetes
Have high blood pressure
Have high blood cholesterol
Have a stroke
Physical activity and nutrition work together for better health. Being active increases the amount of calories burned. As people age their metabolism slows, so maintaining energy balance requires moving more and eating less.
Some types of physical activity are especially beneficial:
Aerobic activities make you breathe harder and make your heart beat faster. Aerobic activities can be moderate or vigorous in their intensity. Vigorous activities take more effort than moderate ones. For moderate activities, you can talk while you do them, but you can't sing. For vigorous activities, you can only say a few words without stopping to catch your breath.
Muscle-strengthening activities make your muscles stronger. These include activities like push-ups and lifting weights. It is important to work all the different parts of the body - your legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders, and arms.
Bone-strengthening activities make your bones stronger. Bone strengthening activities, like jumping, are especially important for children and adolescents. These activities produce a force on the bones that promotes bone growth and strength.
Balance and stretching activities enhance physical stability and flexibility, which reduces risk of injuries. Examples are gentle stretching, dancing, yoga, martial arts, and t'ai chi.
#CopAPlank #EngageYourMuscles #DontBeWeak #BeStrong #NuYuRevolution
The Plank
1. Lie face down with your hands palm-down under your shoulders.
2. Keep your head in a neutral position, your neck in a straight line with the back.
3. Lift your body off the floor from your hands and toes while engaging the core. Keep the back straight and maintain neutral position of the head.
4. Hold the position as long as you can.
The Plank modification with forearms
1. Lie face down with your forearms on the floor.
2. Keep your head in a neutral position, your neck in a straight line with the back.
3. Lift your body up from the forearms and toes while engaging the core. Keep your back straight and neck in the same line.
4. Hold the position for as long as you can.
The Plank modification with chair
1. Place the forearms on a stable chair or couch arm. Move your feet until your body is fully extended at about a 45 degree angle from the floor.
2. Keep your head in a neutral position, your neck in a straight line with the back.
3. Engage the core and keep your back straight as you hold the position for as long as you can.
#AreYouAlignedProperlyWhenWorkingOut #YouShouldBe #AvoidLongTermDamage
#KnowYourselfAndYourTendencies #CorrectYourself #Reset
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Correct Cycling Posture & The Spine
This may sound surprising, but a good number of pro cyclists suffer from low back pain despite consulting the most expensive and technologically advanced bike fit technology. Why doesn't it work? What many bike fit specialists fail to account for is the kinesiology of the spine which is influenced by the position of the pelvis. The saddle can be adjusted in any position, but if the rider has poor posture on the bike, lower back pain is inevitable. Bike fitters must inform cyclists that rounding the back must be avoided to prevent lower back pain. After learning why good posture is optimal, you'll understand why no amount of fine tuned adjustments will fix low back pain unless the rider's posture is also corrected.
ROUNDED BACK VS. NEUTRAL SPINE:
I noticed that those who recommend rounding the back do this based on opinion rather than evidence. Some suggest that an "arched back" or flexed spine absorbs shock more efficiently and claimed that additional flexion caused by bumps is "harmless". There is also a claim that a straight back cannot absorb shock because it will "jam the vertebrae together." To Doctors, Kinesiologists Physical Therapists and well educated instructors, this is absolutely incorrect and exactly opposite to what is safe and effective for the spine.
The spine is intricate with soft intervertebral disks, fascia and musculature of the spine/ core which aid in shock absorption. Rounding the back places excessive stress on the soft intervertebral discs between the vertebrae and puts the rider at risk for herniation or bulging. Contrary to popular belief, good posture does not literally mean that the spine is a straight stack of disks- it just appears to look like that.
GOOD POSTURE 101
When you maintain good posture, there are two types of normal curves in the spine, lordosis and kyphosis. When the spine has a healthy amount of these curves, it is better able to take on the forces of gravity, additional weight, absorb shock from the ground. Reducing or sharpening any of the curves of the spine compromises its ability to absorb shock. When you look at the function of every intricate muscle of the spine, you'll find that the actual purpose of these muscles is to prevent the spine from losing these curves. In fact, a study has already identified that repetitive flexion or "arching" of the back is a mechanism that may lead to herniation of the intervertebral disks. This means that poor cycling posture, creates the risk of herniation, and long term damage to sound postural strength.
Exercises where a neutral spine is necessary, like squats weight lifting, body conditioning, yoga and Pilates total body exercises essential to compliment a cycling program. If these exercises are performed with an arched back, an eventual injury is guaranteed- the spine must be in neutral!
When the spine is in neutral during both of these exercises, the length of the gluteus maximus is optimized. This allows the glutes to activate and extend the hips to bring the weight back up. In an opposite scenario, if the pelvis is tilted back with the spine out of neutral (arched back), the glutes shorten and cannot contribute as much to the movement. As a result of reduced activation from the glutes, the muscles and joints above and below the pelvis (lumbar spine & knees) will have to compensate by working harder.
SADDLE ADJUSTMENTS FOR BETTER POSTURE:
The position of the saddle is the easiest variable to change which can make an instant difference (good or bad) on performance, posture, and comfort. A saddle with its nose tilted down 10-15 degrees will give the pelvis enough room to tilt forward and allow the lumbar spine to move from flexion to slight extension. Sure, the same effect can be done by consciously tilting the pelvis anteriorly on a perfectly level or nose up saddle, but excessive stress will be placed on the arteries forward of the ischial tuberosities (sit bones). Tilting the nose down also helps because it will be easier to maintain good posture without conscious effort.
While saddle angle is important, seat height can also have an effect on the lumbar spine. Individuals with poor hamstring flexibility will have a flexed or rounded back if the seat is set too high. The seat should be set at a height which will not cause the pelvis to tilt posteriorly. If the seat must be set lower than optimal to prevent damage to the lumbar spine, work on mobility and flexibility exercises for the hamstrings. As mobility and flexibility improves, continue to raise the saddle little by little. A saddle height which is too low will place greater compressive forces on the knee (risk of damage to the knee increases) so work hard to improve flexibility and mobility quickly. Good hamstring flexibility will save both the knees and the lumbar spine from damage.
Tight hamstrings and a weak core and back are usually a problem when it comes to poor cycling posture. Tight hamstrings will cause the pelvis to posteriorly tilt, forcing the disks of the lumbar spine into flexion. The solution to this problem is easy to say, but hard to do... one must stretch often.
The optimal posture for cycling is a neutral "straight" back that allows the spine to remain in neutral. A neutral spine absorbs shock more efficiently and allows the muscles of the core to activate fully which will strengthen them dramatically. In no way has a rounded back been shown to be either safe or optimal for performance. In fact, a flexed or rounded back may cause intervertebral disk herniation or bulging. A study done by a spine biomechanics professor showed that a rounded back is actually a risk factor for lower back pain. Too many cyclists and bike fitters are misinformed and it's a big reason why lower back pain is one of the most common overuse injuries. Riders need to know what correct riding posture is in order to keep lumbar spine in neutral, and build weakness into strengths.
A cyclist who has excellent cycling posture is the one to watch. Notice how they maintain a neutral spine in a seated and aero position.They can safely achieve this position without compromising the lower back. Maintaining good flexibility is a way to keep the hamstrings from shortening. It also helps to shift past the saddle to give room for his pelvis to anteriorly tilt and keep the spine in neutral.
By including hamstring flexibility exercise into your program, you can mirror watch your posture and correct it further strengthening your weaknesses. The body was built to grow strong, so give it the time and focus necessary to get stronger in a wise productive way!
“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.” ― ThÃch Nhất Hạnh#Thankful #HappyWithWhoYouAre #WhatYouHave #BeInTheMoment#CountYourBlessings #NuYuRevolution
#ThoughtCreates #WhatAreYouThinking #YouAreAForceOfNature #KnowThis #LiveThis
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How to Manifest Your Reality
“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” -Bashar
WE ARE ALWAYS MANIFESTING.
Each thought we have creates an energy flow within and around our physical being. This energy attracts its likeness. So if you’re thinking, “I suck,” then your energy kinda, well, sucks—and you attract sucky experiences.
The opposite experience occurs when you think high-level thoughts like, “I rock!” When you think and feel, “I rock,” you exude an energy of confidence and in turn attract great experiences into your life. Each thought you have informs your energy, and your energy manifests into your experiences . . .
Your thoughts and energy create your reality.
MANIFESTING MISHAPS
Manifestation has become a buzzword lately. Though it’s totally awesome that the Law of Attraction is now trendy, it also can be a bit misleading for folks who are unwilling to do the heavy lifting. If you truly want to use your energetic power to manifest greatness, you must clear all that blocks you from believing in your greatness.
A Course in Miracles teaches that on some level, you’ve asked for everything that happens in your life. Your intentions create your reality. There’s no need to beat yourself up: simply recognizing how your low-level thoughts negatively affect your life is the first powerful step toward changing your experiences. Begin your manifesting process by getting honest about how your low-level thoughts, energy, and feelings of disbelief block you from receiving what you desire. Once you get clear about the blocks, you can begin to clean them up to clear space for positive manifestations to occur.
Many people, when trying to manifest, focus too much on the outside form rather than the internal condition. What’s important is our internal experience: whether we choose to experience love or fear. When we commit to our internal experience of love, we begin to attract more love. Many people approach manifestation from a place of “How can I get something to feel better?” Instead, the focus should be: “How can I feel better and therefore be an energetic match for attracting more greatness into my life?” The emphasis must be placed on healing the internal condition, not getting a hot new car or boyfriend.
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR MANIFESTING YOUR DESIRES
Below are my five key principles for genuine manifesting. When practicing these steps, make sure to stay committed to the goal of feeling good first and attracting stuff second. Continue to remind yourself that when you feel good you energetically attract goodness into your life. When your primary function is to be happy, then whatever comes to you is irrelevant. Happiness is your true manifestation.
PRINCIPLE ONE: CLEAR SPACE
Before you begin the manifestation process you must take the necessary time to release all your disbelief in your power to be happy. One of the best ways to clear the blocks of disbelief is to pray for release. Begin a daily prayer practice of asking the Universe to set you free from all the limiting beliefs that block you from believing in your greatness. Stay open for signs from the Universe and show up for the assignments that are brought to you. Universal assignments come in many forms. Maybe you’re guided to the relationship that brings up all your shit so that you have to finally heal your fear. Or maybe you lose your job so that you can learn the lessons of self-reliance and strengthen your self-love. Trust that these assignments, however tough at times, are incredible opportunities for you to clean your energy and clear space to call in what you desire.
Your job in this step is to pray for guidance to clear all that blocks you from believing in your greatness. Then allow the Universe to help guide you to whatever assignments you need to aid in the healing process. Show up for the assignments and trust that the more you clean your thoughts and energy, the more positive experiences you will attract into your life.
PRINCIPLE TWO: GET CLEAR
Clarity is king when it comes to manifesting your desires. You must have clear intentions for what you want to call in—otherwise you can manifest a lot of what you don’t want. Focus on what you desire and then make a list of all that goes along with it. If you’re getting clear about the job you want, make a list of all the things about the job that make you happy: the office, the people, the salary, etc. Be unapologetic about what you want. This list helps to clarify your intentions and access a vibrant mental picture of what you desire.
The most important part of this step is to clarify how you want to feel. When you get clear on how you want to feel, you can begin to access that feeling. That feeling is what makes the manifestation come into form. You can write a thousand lists and make a million vision boards, but if you don’t clearly feel what you want to experience, it will never truly manifest into form.
PRINCIPLE THREE: THINK IT, FEEL IT, BELIEVE IT!
Now let’s put these steps together. Take your clear intention and spend time every day sitting in the feeling of what it is that you desire. You might access the feeling through meditation and visioning exercises. Or call on the feeling when you’re in nature or doing a form of exercise you love. Let the thought inform the feeling and let the feeling take over your energy. The more you feel the feeling of what you desire, the more you believe it is on the way. From a metaphysical perspective, if you believe it then it is already here. So make time for contemplating, thinking, feeling, and believing.
PRINCIPLE FOUR: CHILL!
The next step is crucial to the manifestation process. In order to truly manifest your desires into form, you gotta chill out! A Course in Miracles teaches: “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait and wait without anxiety.” Take this message with you and allow your faithfulness to guide you into the belief that what you desire is on the way. Also trust that the Universe has a much better plan than you do. Though you are clear about what you want, you cannot control the timing or the form in which it comes. Stay calm, relax, and trust that the Universe has your back!
PRINCIPLE FIVE: KNOW THE UNIVERSE HAS YOUR BACK
When you’re in the know you’re deliberate about what you want. When you’re in the know you no longer vibrate energy of fear or disbelief. You just know. As your disbelief wilts away, wanting is replaced by knowing. Getting into the know happens naturally. When you diligently practice steps one through four, you will clean house, get clear, and feel happier. This process is healing and powerful, and it leads to a deep inner knowing that you are right where you need to be. Accepting your greatness in this moment, right now, is what manifests more greatness. Being in the know helps you accept that you already are living in your desired manifestation. When you feel it, you live it—regardless of what is happening on the outside. In time, the Universe catches up with your energy and your desires come into form. This process of allowing the manifestation to follow your internal faith is the true process of co-creation.
STAY COMMITTED TO HAPPINESS
Stay committed to this five-step process and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be. Is your main desire to feel good? Trust you will be given everything you need to create that feeling. Know that feeling good is the true manifestation—and everything else is the icing on the already delicious cake!