Win the day with energy, movement and Flow.
By, Christopher Vlaun
At this point many people are aware of the benefits of warm-ups and build-ups before a workout. What about blending full spectrum movement, breathing exercises and a little Qigong?
As you may know that there are many benefits from breathing exercises. Here just a few.
- Detoxification. Good breathing habits help the lymphatic system function properly, which encourages the release of harmful toxins. This cleanses the body and allows it to direct its energy to more productive functions.
- Muscles relaxation. You’ll notice that you have less muscle tension when you are breathing properly.
- Endorphins. Deep breathing triggers the release of endorphins, which improves feelings of well-being and provides pain-relief.
- Lowers blood pressure. As your muscles let go of tension, your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure can return to a normal level.
- Oxygen delivery. When you breath deeply and you are relaxed, fresh oxygen pours into every cell in the body. This increases the functionality of every system in the body. You will also notice improved mental concentration and physical stamina.
The health benefits from Qigong and Tai Chi comes about both by supporting the body’s natural tendency to return to balance and equilibrium and also gently yet profoundly creating strength, flexibility and balance in the muscles and joints through gentle flowing movements.
Warm up/Build ups are essential for athletes.
Warm-ups are also mental preparation for our athletes. The assigned warm-up and stretching movements are directly connected to the movements they are learning during the skills in their classes. This mentally prepares them for body positions they will encounter throughout their lesson by being familiar with and having already passed their bodies through these positions during their warm-up and stretch.
Overall benefits of a comprehensive Warm-up.
- Increased Muscle Temperature — The temperature increases within muscles that are used during a warm-up routine. A warmed muscle both contracts more forcefully and relaxes more quickly. In this way, both speed and strength can be enhanced.
- Increased Body Temperature — This improves muscle elasticity, also reducing the risk of strains and pulls.
- Blood Vessels Dilate — This reduces the resistance to blood flow and lower stress on the heart.
- Improve Efficient Cooling — By activating the heat-dissipation mechanisms in the body (efficient sweating) an athlete can cool efficiently and help prevent overheating early in the event or race.
- Increased Blood Temperature — The temperature of blood increases as it travels through the muscles. As blood temperature rises, the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin weakens so oxygen is more readily available to working muscles, which may improve endurance.
- Improved Range of Motion — The range of motion around a joint is increased.
- Hormonal Changes — Your body increases its production of various hormones responsible for regulating energy production. During warm-up, this balance of hormones makes more carbohydrates and fatty acids available for energy production.
Now lets give it a try!
After describing some of the benefits of a proper warm-up along with breathing exercises and fluid full spectrum movement. I want to take the opportunity to share a video I created of my daily warm-up flow created at the beautiful Deer Valley resort near Park City Utah. Enjoy!
