Why did you start running? If I ask ten people this same question, I’ll receive ten different responses. Some are obvious: to lose weight, to gain cardiovascular benefits, to make friends. Others, however, are less so: to reconnect with my body, to destress, to teach myself dedication. Running has myriad physical benefits, but the psychological benefits are just as numerous. Here are five reasons why running is good for you–mentally.
“Everything in nature is made up of five basic elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Knowledge of the five elements allows the yogi to understand the laws of nature and to use yoga to attain greater health, power, knowledge, wisdom, and happiness. This arises out of deep intuition of how the universe operates.”
-- Dr. Swami Shankardev Saraswati
Benefits:
Stretches the hamstrings, and calves.
Can strengthen thighs, knees, and ankles.
Helps calm the brain.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start standing in forward fold, one leg lifted. Hands can be used as second base for balance.
Keep foot of lifted leg facing the ground.
Hips are squared, lifted one is not “popping” out.
Benefits:
Helps strengthen abs, legs, back, and arms.
Improves balance.
Stretches sides of body.
Great heat opener/backbend.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Can start in wheel or downward facing dog. If starting in down dog slowly roll body over until you’re completely turned around.
Hundreds of 5Ks are held around the nation each year, and almost every major city has several 5Ks happening every weekend. Some races are geared towards obtaining your fastest 5K time while others are marketed as fundraisers. Still others let you dress up in costumes or run with your dog. Looking to join the fun but don’t know where to start? Here are five simple steps you can take to begin training for your first 5K race.
1. Start Slow
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is right around the corner. The weather’s getting better, plants are sprouting, and gardens are being planted. That’s right, it’s time to get outside! I’m lucky enough to live in Colorado, where hiking trails are literally right outside my front door.
We all know the good we do when we exercise. But do we really understand the awful things we do to our bodies when we don’t exercise?
A great hike can happen just about anywhere, at any time. It’s a stretch of time to practice a little self-care, show appreciation for nature, and have fun outdoors.
Benefits:
Stretches knees, hips, and abdomen.
Improves posture.
Can help strengthen back muscles.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start in Cobra pose, bend one knee in at a time and grab foot with hand. Gently push/pull foot towards back of thigh.
Tops of feet are pressing into ground, toes flat on ground.
Legs are engaged, flexed.
Shoulders are back.
Who wants to age? While we all know and understand that our time here on Earth is transient, we all fear the ravages of time. For our once-youthful face to show its age and sometimes look prematurely old is a painful pill to swallow.