Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/242056
Give your mind a workout "IT'S A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION," MOLLIE ESTES SAYS. "YOUR MIND STARTS TO CHANGE, AND THEN THE BODY FOLLOWS." MOST FITNESS ROUTINES INCLUDE AEROBIC EXERCISE AND STRENGTH TRAINING, BUT THERE'S A THIRD COMPONENT THAT CAN BE JUST AS IMPORTANT. A mind-body workout focuses on using your thoughts to influence your body's physical response. Mollie Estes, Mind-body coordinator Mollie is the mind-body coordinator at CoxHealth Fitness Centers and oversees mind-body discipline classes including yoga, Pilates and tai chi. "You can get an internal workout as well as a physiological one," she says. "It deepens any physical activity." When working out, focus on your breathing, your muscles flexing, your posture and other feelings you have. As you become more mindful of your body, you'll be able to push yourself further. During aerobic exercise, you may be able to control your heart rate better. When you're lifting weights, you might be able to do more repetitions than you thought you could. Other benefits include lowered stress and anxiety, injury prevention and improved sleep. Developing a mind-body awareness takes time and patience. Mollie recommends starting small and practicing breathing control. Sit quietly for a few moments and focus on how it feels to inhale and exhale. "Once you can breathe right, you can move right," Mollie says. COXHEALTH FITNESS CENTERS OFFER YOGA, PILATES AND TAI CHI CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS. CALL 417/269-3282 IN SPRINGFIELD, 417/236-2596 IN MONETT AND 417/348-0060 IN BRANSON. 5