This section of the site will explain some of the different types of
exercise you can do, what the benefits and costs are and where you can do them in the North London area. I will be adding
to it as I research each type of exercise.
Yoga
Yoga is a hugely popular type of exercise and there are a variety of
styles to choose from. It originated in India and is designed to harmonise mind, body and spirit. Yoga normally
consists of a series of poses or asanas that are held for a certain amount of time whilst utilising breathing techniques.
Some yoga styles are more energetic that others particularly Astanga and Bikram yoga. My experience is with Hatha yoga
which is gentler and concentrates on the poses and breath and sometimes chanting. In my experience Hatha yoga leaves
you feeling calm, stretched and tranquil. Over a period of time practising regular yoga you should become much
more flexible and certainly in my experience if you suffer from asthma the breathing techniques help a great deal. Studies
show that that yoga practise can help improve posture, strength, endurance and immunity. It is not classed as cardiovascular
exercise and only the more challenging faster paced classes will sufficiently raise your heart rate to increase cardiovascular
health, but it is a great way to keep supple and strong.
I recommend my Yoga class on Sundays at 10.30 at Jacksons Lane Community
Centre, it is set in amazing surroundings and is challenging at all levels. For more detail go to www.yogaunited.co.uk
Pilates
Pilates is body-conditioning technique
designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body. Pilates targets the deep postural muscles within the body through a
series of exercises aimed at building muscle strength and rebalancing the body. Excellent for improving posture, strength
and flexibility and aligning the body correctly, pilates also teaches coordination, concentration and control of the body.
By targeting the core muscles in the abdomin and back Pilates can help to strenghten the back an reduce back pain.
You can chose from pilates classes which are mat based and use various tools to provide the resistance needed for the moves
or you can go to a Pilates studio and be taught to use Pilates machines which is a slighlty different way of approaching it.
Again this is not designed as cardiovascular exercise but as a supplement to tone and strengthen.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a traditional Chinese health discipline which
is beneficial for body and mind. It can have a strong therapeutic and meditative value. When practising tai chi you carry
out slow movements for which your mind initiates the movements and in which the muscles stay relaxed as much as possible.
In China this sport is practised in the street, on squares and in parks daily. Tai Chi is considered to be a meditation,
a self defense technique, a fighting art and a health system. It is based around the chinese health systems of
meridians and flow of energy throughout the body. These exercises are designed to stimulate the flow of energy (Qi)
through the body and major organs, moving any blockages and prmoting well-being through balance.
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