Your feet are your physical foundation. They hold you up and help transport you from one place to another.
You rely on your feet for many activities. So it is crucial to take good care of them. Caring for your feet increases stability and balance.
Regular yoga practice is one of the best ways to do this. Yoga helps strengthen your muscles and bones and increase your flexibility.
There are many yoga based exercises you can practice to build physical equilibrium and increased durability.
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a beginners guide to pilates
pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on strengthening the body, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall fitness. it's suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for beginners who are looking to start a new exercise routine. in this guide, we'll cover the basics of pilates and provide tips for getting started.
what is pilates?
pilates was developed by joseph pilates in the early 20th century as a system of exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness. it incorporates a series of controlled movements that target the core muscles, as well as other muscle groups throughout the body. pilates emphasizes proper alignment, breathing, and concentration, making it a holistic approach to fitness.
benefits of pilates
strengthens core muscles: pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles of the core, including the abdominals, lower back, and pelvic floor, which can improve posture and stability.
improves flexibility: pilates exercises promote flexibility and range of motion in the muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing overall mobility.
enhances body awareness: pilates encourages mindful movement and body awareness, helping individuals develop a deeper connection between mind and body.
promotes relaxation: pilates incorporates breathing techniques and relaxation exercises, which can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
increases muscular endurance: pilates exercises are performed in a slow and controlled manner, which helps build muscular endurance over time, allowing individuals to perform daily activities with greater ease.
getting started with pilates
find a qualified instructor: if you're new to pilates, consider taking a class with a certified pilates instructor who can guide you through the exercises and ensure proper form and technique.
start with the basics: begin with beginner-level pilates exercises that focus on building core strength, such as the hundred, pelvic tilts, and leg circles. gradually progress to more challenging exercises as you gain strength and confidence.
focus on proper alignment: pay attention to your alignment during pilates exercises, keeping your spine neutral and your shoulders relaxed. engage your core muscles to stabilize your body and prevent injury.
breathe deeply: practice diaphragmatic breathing during pilates exercises, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling fully through your mouth. coordinate your breath with your movements to promote relaxation and enhance concentration.
listen to your body: listen to your body and work at your own pace during pilates workouts. if an exercise feels too challenging or causes discomfort, modify it or take a break as needed.
be consistent: aim to practice pilates regularly to experience the full benefits of the method. start with two to three sessions per week and gradually increase the frequency and duration of your workouts as you progress.
remember that pilates is a journey, and progress takes time and dedication. be patient with yourself as you learn and grow in your practice, and enjoy the many benefits that pilates has to offer for your mind, body, and spirit.
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a beginner’s guide to yoga
🧘♀️ what is yoga?
putting it briefly, yoga is a mindfulness and spiritual practice that connects the mind, body, and breath through physical movement and poses called “asanas.”
🧘♀️ benefits of yoga
yoga has some incredible benefits for both the mind and body, including:
reducing mental stress and calming the mind
improving flexibility and mobility
working and strengthening even the small muscles in the body
improving circulation and heart health
allowing you to be present and mindful
improving balance and coordination
activating or calming the nervous system
reducing body pain
improving range of motion and joint health
🧘♀️ different types of yoga
there are many different types of yoga, each with their own unique benefits. here are just a few you may start with:
vinyasa
hatha
ashtanga
yin
restorative
🧘♀️ where do i start?
if you do not feel ready to go to a class or you do not have a studio near you, there are many classes you can follow on youtube! here are a few channels on youtube i really like:
akshaya agnes
boho beautiful yoga
charlie follows
gayatri yoga
jessica richburg
the glow method
yoga with kassandra
yoga with kate amber
🧘♀️ personal tips
start slow! i say this in all of my workout posts when i give advice, but i promise it is important. pushing yourself too far in the beginning will only injure you, so don’t be afraid to take it easy at first.
don’t judge yourself. it’s much easier said than done when you see people who have been practicing for years and seem like they can do everything, but everyone has things that they struggle with. i’ve been practicing yoga consistently for 5 years now and there are still things that i struggle with, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
going alone with the tip above, have a sense of humor about your journey. if you fall, it’s perfectly fine. it happens to the best of us! as long as you stay safe and get back up and keep trying, you’re doing great.
switch it up! as mentioned above, there are many types of yoga, and the ones i named are just a few. don’t be afraid to try different types! i used to hate yin because i found it even harder than the more flow-y sequences, but now it’s one of my favorites. it’s always good to get some variety in your practice and you may end up loving something you thought you would hate!
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Hey y’all! 👋
It’s another year of Holiday Blues, and we are well into winter now. This must mean we are into our FOURTH week of Flex Friday 💪
No one understands the abundance of benefits that exercise can do for mind, body, and soul better than Tiffany Curtis 💫 After all, she is the founder of Indwell Collaborative, a community gathering space for social healing. With over 13 years of experience facilitating programs for social change, she has visions for intergenerational healing, which is contextualized by living through years of compounding grief from familial loss. Now, she is bringing those skills and experiences to you this winter, with her unique program designed to help and heal. ❤️🩹
For this fourth week, the theme is simple, but powerful: it’s FOR THE COLLECTIVE. We will continue by completing an important exercise. Together, we return to sit with the resource that sustains our being well, calling our ability to amplify this power for the benefit of all beings. What is possible if we trust in our ability to show up for the community from this place of inner trust? Anything is possible. So join us and find out 🌠
🧘 Flex Fridays: Indwell Collaborative: FOR THE COLLECTIVE. 12/22 at 1pm EST 🧘
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