Springtime Exercising!

The transition through March and April can bring swings in temperatures as well as some windy days.   Even with this year’s warmer winter, our bodies need time to acclimate to being outdoors. Learn what works for you and plan for layering options. 

I recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop offered by Karen Scher, Certified Yoga Instructor, who led a group of us through some valuable ways to open up at the shoulders and upper body.  The exercises are simple.

To begin, keep both arms down by your sides.  Take one arm and reach behind you around your low back.  Take hold of your other arm, somewhere near the elbow.  Then focus on relaxing your shoulders down and back, feeling a stretch across your upper back and chest.  Hold the position while you take a few deep breaths before switching to the other side.  This will bring your posture upright, release the muscles along your neck and shoulders and also help free your breathing by opening up the lungs.  Practice the position a few times at home or while working at your desk and then incorporate it into your spring training activities!

It's Spring (almost)! Time to Grow, Create, and Refresh!

This weekend we pushed our clocks forward and began to enjoy longer hours of daylight.  The weather has warmed and our thoughts are turning to the enjoyments of spring.  It's time to grow, create, and refresh.  Karen Giles Acupuncture offers the following suggestions to make the most of your spring!

"Spring Cleaning" often makes us think of cleansing.  Spring is a great time to cleanse and refresh body, mind, and environment.  Enjoy foods that cleanse the body such as lemons, spring onions, and greens. Cleanse your mind by letting go of baggage you have been holding onto and fill your mind with fresh goals you want to reach. Cleanse your environment by remove clutter and organizing.  Cleansing gives you the opportunity to begin anew.  Start a new project or a new routine.  Go someplace you have never been and maybe travel there in a manner you have never traveled.  Spark your creative energy and follow it where it leads.

Why not start a garden and grow some of the cleansing foods you want to eat?  A garden is the embodiment of growth, creation and refreshment and allows you to develop a connection with the earth.  Use the food you grow to create new dishes or the flowers you grow to create beautiful arrangements.  A garden offers endless opportunities for creation.

These suggestions just scratch the surface on ways to maximize the benefits of spring.  Let me know what suggestions you have!