Hello friends,
This week I have a 30 minute yoga class for you. It’s a general practice with a variety of postures. There are twists included, so if you are pregnant then these postures aren’t for you. Take an open twist instead or take a little rest. Likewise for salabasana when we lie on the belly. Prenatal should rest during this part also.
Lately, I’ve been loving the work of Katy Bowman, founder of nutritious movement, biomechanist and author. She helps us to look at movement in a different light to exercise. Do you see movement as the same as ‘exercise? Really, the idea of exercise is quite new. It came about as our society evolved to include less and less movement for everyday activities and chores. We had to move anyway to get something done. When everyday conveniences came about to make things easier, we moved less (winding up the car window!?)
Instead of sitting all day then including half an hour of intense cardio or strengthening we need to think about diverse, natural movement.
In a podcast I listened to, she used the analogy of diet. While kale is a very healthy food, if we only ate kale then we wouldn’t be healthy. Likewise with movement, we need to move in a large variety of ways and move ALL of the body.
The construct of exercise has also lead us to believe that it’s only good for us if it’s hard. If we feel out of breath or burning muscles then we have succeeded. Katy says ‘ we seem to only value long duration, big, intense. We no longer see the value in small, slow, accumulating.’
I like to think of it as designing your life around this small, slow, accumulating movement. Choosing a local school so you and your kids can walk there twice a day, using the time it takes for your tea brew to roll your shoulders or take a breath hold practice. This is such great news for those of us who find it hard or unappealing to fit in intense exercise sessions.
I found this movie on youtube that includes Katy that you can watch if you’re interested.
See if you too can include more variety of movement in your week. My yoga class is a good place to start!
Have a great week.
Sarah
Thank you so much for reading. If you know of anyone who may enjoy this email please do forward it on. So grateful for you! And if you were forwarded this, then you can subscribe by clicking the button below.
Here are some ways we can connect.
- Yoga weekend in Yamba this July 1st, 2nd, 3rd. This now full! Please let me know if you’re keen for one this year and I will see if we can make it happen.
- Join me online in my member area for some gentle guided asana, yin yoga and breathwork. You can try free for 14 days.
- I am (occasionally!) on instagram and resolving to post more often.
Movement versus exercise and a 30 minute yoga class for you.