A flexible body and a flexible mind are traits associated with youth and vitality. In contrast, an inflexible body and inflexible mind are associated with aging, such as the cliche you can't teach an old dog new tricks, referring to the inflexible thinking sometimes associated with advanced age.
Dance and yoga are ancient and proven practices that enhance stamina and flexibility of both body and mind. Exercising with weights to build muscle and reduce fat also is an effective and healthful practice for maintaining a youthful appearance.
However, flexibility is an important component of strength that is sometimes overlooked. Without flexibility, even a strong person would not be able to perform simple tasks like kneeling in a garden, squatting to pet a dog, going on tiptoe to reach a high shelf in the kitchen, or bending over to touch their toes.
A case history:
A belly dancer with weight loss goals hired a personal trainer. He coached her very effectively in exercise to develop her muscles and burn fat. While this resulted in a beautifully toned body, the training also resulted in abdominal muscles which were so tight that she could no longer roll her belly and perform the snakelike undulations of her art. This was an appalling discovery for her. When she looked in the mirror at the gym and exclaimed, Look how tight my abs are, they won't move!" her trainer beamed with pride. The training resulted in difficulty for her dance career, and months of retraining to get back her flexibility.
Flexible mind, flexible body
Many body-mind experts believe that developing a flexible body helps to develop a flexible mind (and vice-versa). They believe that when the body learns how to be flexible, that the mind also becomes more flexible and creative, open to news ways of solving problems and enhancing creativity. This helps maintain a youthful body and a youthful attitude.
Stiffness of the mind is sometimes reflected in the body, such as in the case of a dance coach who is challenged with stiffness in her legs and torso: her attitude towards coaching and mentoring students is correspondingly stiff. She will not deviate from her predetermined lesson plan to accommodate the needs and abilities of her students.
Creative thinking and flexibility with solving problems is especially important in today's world of constantly changing technology and work environments, where we are required to adapt many times during a career. Working with people has always required flexibility, since everyone is unique.
The modern workplace often requires learning new computer skills and adapting to ever-changing technology in order to be successful. Today's challenging workplace sometimes requires a person to change careers (not only jobs) several times. This requires mental strength, flexibility, and openness to learning. A group of people over age 100 said in interviews that they believed their ability to adapt to changing circumstances by letting go ot the past and effectively adapting to change contributed to their longevity.
If there is one certainty in life, it is that circumstances will change. Healthy flexibility in mind and body help us deal effectively with changes in the world around us.
Activities to enhance flexibility and a youthful appearance:
* Do something new or different. Update your hairstyle or clothing for a fresh, youthful look. A makeover is fun too.
* Consult a doctor prior to beginning an exercise program. Discuss your concerns, needs, and fitness goals. Select a type of activity you enjoy; you'll be more likely to stick with it.
* Find a qualified professional instructor for your exercise. Be sure they are attentive and understanding of your concerns, needs, and goals.
* Dance classes are a great social outlet, a wonderful way to make new friends, and
build strength and stamina. Dance classes can be moderate or strenuous exercise, depending upon the type of class.
* Yoga and gymnastics are especially helpful with enhancing flexibility. There are different approaches to teaching these classes. Discuss your needs with an instructor in order to find the class which will benefit you the most.
* Belly dancing is an ancient art which enhances flexibility and muscle control. There are different styles and approaches to teaching belly dancing. Try out a class-it's a fun and exotic way to exercise, and you'll meet interesting people!
* Smile! It makes you look younger.
Ramona is the author of Dynamic Belly Dance, the Joyful Journey of Dancemaking and Performing. See free belly dance videos, read book excerpts and order an autographed copy at DynamicBellyDance.com DynamicBellyDance.com
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