The “Finish Line” of Relaxation: Using the End of Class Time to Go Deep into a Tranquil State

A yoga or pilates class can do wonders for the dexterity, agility and overall poise of a class member.  These traditional arts can lower blood pressure, strengthen joints and bones, and tone muscles, but one good element of a class can get lost in the shuffle.Basically, the end of a class is a perfect time for getting into a more relaxed state before leaving the gym or health club.  It’s not just yoga and pilates students who can benefit from a relaxation “cool-down”: those who practice the traditional “power workout” (ex: cardio training plus weight lifting) can also use a brief relaxation...Read More

Relax to the Max

This is the thing about “relaxation” and stress reduction: it’s not as straightforward as some other fitness goals.  Telling someone to relax is not like telling them to do three sets of five on the chest press.  And there’s no “magic prescription” for stress reduction (regardless of what your doctor may tell you!)  Instead, true relaxation is something you build into your life by “renovating” your routine, just like you would renovate a shabby or falling down house.If your nerves are just like jumping jacks, and you need to calm down, your doctor and your fitness trainer can...Read More