Exercise: Where to Start
Embarking on a fitness journey is a significant step towards improving your overall well-being, but the question that often arises is, "exercise where to start?" In this guide, we'll explore key considerations to help you find the right starting point for your fitness endeavors. Additionally, we'll touch on the benefits of a mindful approach, inspired by the principles embraced by Bend N Move, a studio known for its commitment to creating a supportive environment for individuals of all fitness levels.
Finding Your Ideal Starting Point: Beginning your fitness journey requires thoughtful consideration of your individual needs and objectives. Whether you're new to exercise or returning after a break, starting with activities that are both safe and effective is paramount. Its also important to break through the mental blocks that have been keeping you inactive or dissatisfied with your activity.
Mindful Exercise: The importance of choosing a fitness environment that aligns with your goals seems obvious, but what if there are goals and benefits we haven’t even considered. Is looking better in your clothes or losing weight most important? Or have you considered that you want to feel good moving? Have you considered the movement exploration being interesting and informative? Have you considered the implications of movement on your body as it ages? If it can handle heavy stress now, how long can it do that for and what damages will that create for later? Is that necessary? What if there is an exercise that can change your body, change your mind, improve your internal health, keep your joints functioning well, and generally make your everyday activites easier? It may sound like a tall order, but really we often expect way too little from the exercise we engage in. And sometimes even less with the professionals we work with. Bend N Move has garnered recognition for its commitment to creating a welcoming space which is essential for the exploration and transformation of ones body, mind and life. Regardless if you choose to work with us, I can describe to you what it is about our program that is essential to get the most out of movement so that you may find a place that provides all of the things you need to thrive.
Navigating Challenges: Every BODY has some movement challenges due to our modern lifestyle. Desk jobs, long hours, stress, even repetitive sports, all lead to movement challenges, injuries or pain and limitation. It is absolutely essential to choose movement that can not only deal with your known issues but helps you identify the many you may not be aware of that are all part of the other issue. Our body is normal to us, even if it is not functioning optimally. You must find a movement practitioner that understands what is needed for the optimal performance of the body and has a methodical process of getting you closer to that goal. With nearly 2 decades of working with a variety of bodies, we are equipped to do this with nearly every unique cocktail of bodily and mind issues you may be dealing with. You can recognize it by the change and transformation that will happen in your first lesson with us. If you’re assessing your movement studio for this, the same is true. You will feel noticeably better in your first lesson and you will have some awareness of what you need to do differently in order to make the change on your own in order to practice it and make it a long term change.
Mind-Body Connection: The mind-body connection is integral to holistic well-being. What does that even mean? Your mind is fully aware of bodily sensations and is present and skilled enough to respond to each signal given. This is a process in of itself, but it does not stand alone. You must use the mind in your movement right from the start in order to begin developing its understanding of the language it speaks. You can look for movement that requires you to pay attention, to notice things you have never thought about noticing, that is demanding enough that you can’t do it well while being distracted. Focusing on developing your body and awareness simultaneously can lead to not only physical improvements but also enhanced mental health, and better mental health should be on your list of goals that you wish to achieve with the movement you choose to spend time on.
Embarking on a fitness journey involves thoughtful consideration of your goals and needs. While studios like Bend N Move embody these principles, the overarching message is to explore different facets of exercise. Consider aspects beyond repetition to fatigue, sweating, and soreness as benchmarks of progress. Choose a studio that offers a well-rounded approach, providing benefits in muscle development, mental health, inner well-being, and more—all within a single practice. Your fitness journey is unique; find a starting point that aligns with your goals and resonates with your desire for a comprehensive and fulfilling experience.