As a Generation Xer, it is not uncommon for me to wake up with an ache here or a pain there. I’m just glad everything doesn’t ache at the same time! As I look around the studio while doing yoga or pilates, I can’t help but notice that there are few participants my age or older. Although I understand the reluctance to exercise while in pain, I know that I will continue to lose strength, flexibility and balance if I do not. I encourage my patients to continue to exercise to the best of their ability throughout the entire life span.  Now, more than ever, is a great time to reassess your physical condition and begin to consider ways to improve upon your physical health. Kimberlee Bethany Bonura, Ph.D. is an educational psychologist and Fitness and Wellness Consultant. She developed a series of eighteen thirty minute videos designed to assist you to do so. In this series she covers the following topics:

Aging with optimism—a holistic approach
Getting and staying motivated
Self-care fundamentals
Fitness fundamentals—choose your activity
Fitness beyond the gym—active daily living
It’s not just physical—mindful fitness
Motivation—goals and willpower
Friends, fitness, and social support
Accepting a new reality
Challenges—illness and chronic pain
Small steps—a path to big benefits
Making it work—the right plan for you
Relaxation strategies
Foundational fitness
Core strength and balance
Workplace fitness
Chair yoga
Qigong—practicing fluid movement

Again, this lecture series can be purchased through The Great Courses, which also sells on Amazon, or rented from various libraries.

This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.

 

I have to admit, I’m not that coordinated and take a little extra time to develop a motor skill set. For those of you who also need some extra help mastering tai chi, I recommend Mastering Tai Chi by David-Dorian Ross, B.A., International Master Tai Chi Instructor. Mr. Ross developed this twenty-four thirty minute lecture series in conjunction with The Great Courses. In this series he covers the following:

The path toward mastery
Harmony is the ultimate goal
Walking like a cat
Mind over muscles
Taming the monkey mind
The bow and arrow
Practicing in a small space
Hips and waist: the center is the commander
Feet: separate empty from full
Shoulders: finding reasons to let go
Inside reflects the outside
Chest, posture, and the natural curve
Bring out your flow
Transitions as smooth as silk
Legs to arms: connecting upper and lower
A movable meditation
Bouncing away conflict
The peaceful warrior
Qigong breathing
Partners: the whole body is the hand
Five stages of mastery
Lotus kick and laughing buddha
Conserve your energy
Another river to cross

Again, this lecture series can be purchased through The Great Courses, which also sells on Amazon, or rented from various libraries.

This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.

Five years ago today we welcomed Apollo into the family. Here he is on his first day in training at the office. He was a big boy back then, too. Happy Adoptiversary, Apollo!

As defined by Wikipedia, “Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits.” “ Qigong is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used in the belief that it promotes health, spirituality, and martial arts training.” I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine learning tai chi or qigong by reading about them. That’s why I recommend the video series Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong by David-Dorian Ross, B.A., International Master Tai Chi Instructor. In this series he covers the following:

The snake and the crane
First steps in a journey
Harmony and balance
The ultimate martial art
The five families of tai chi practice
Qigong and the five animal frolics
Energy exercise—a branch of Chinese medicine
The first pillar of practice—forms
The second pillar—push hands for two
The third pillar—standing meditation
Benefits to the heart and immune system
A healthy weight and a healthy mind
Tai chi legends—stories of the masters
Reading the tai chi classics
A superior workout—use more of your muscles
Eight pieces of brocade and a better back
Tai chi weapons—when hands are not empty
Using the mind-inner organizing principles
Mental and physical flow
Creating space for choices
Flow at work-when business is in balance
Energy flow in your surroundings
Taking practice deeper
The evolution of tai chi

This lecture series can be purchased through The Great Courses, which also sells on Amazon, or rented from various libraries.

This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.

 

 

I love audio books as I can listen to them during long commutes. If you’ve been doing the same, for the next few weeks I’d advise against it. It’s time to get physical. There are many different types of yoga, all with modifications that allow just about anyone to participate. In addition to being a good form of stretching and physical exercise, yoga is also a way to actively practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques.

Here in Denton, there are a few yoga studios in town, all with their own philosophies and preferred techniques. Before you sign up for a session, you may want to familiarize yourself with the different types of yoga, to determine which is best for you.

Dr. Heidi Sormaz has developed a lecture series consisting of twelve thirty minute lectures, that I feel cover all the basics of each common form of yoga. Dr. Sormaz attained a doctorate in psychology and is a certified yoga instructor. While she specializes in Forrest Yoga, in this lecture series she provides a survey of the most common yoga practices found in the United States.

Western Yoga
Yoga Begins with the Breath
Yoga and Pain Relief
Yoga for a Healthy Heart
Yoga and Addictive Behavior
Yoga for Depression and Anxiety
Iyengar Yoga
Power Yoga
Yin Yoga
Anusara Yoga
Forrest Yoga
Everyday Yoga

This lecture series can be purchased through The Great Courses, which also sells on Amazon, or rented from various libraries. As a word of caution, before you dive into hot yoga, please consult with your physician to ensure that you can do so safely. Also, for those of you who poo poo chair yoga, trust me, it can be quite effective with the right instructor.

This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.