Holistic Fitness – One Way Forward

Holistic Fitness

This form of fitness which considers the 360 degree approach to health, wellness and your fitness is emerging as one of the more contemporary ways to achieve a state of balance and harmony. The physical, mental and even the emotional aspects of your well-being is what holistic fitness takes care of, in your healthy lifestyle journey.

Many indicate that they now wake up in the morning feeling both refreshed and energised, especially having taken a new exercise routine that challenges both the body and the mind. 

What is this thing called Holistic Fitness?

This form of health and wellness is one which takes into consideration the physical strength and endurance of the regular exercise programs and then interconnects it with the wellness of your mind and mental perspective and your spirit. The entire being is now experiencing some form of stimuli which ensures that they are working in harmony with each other.

We know that regular exercise improves our breathing, and cardiovascular health as well as metabolism and muscle strength.

It is here that after a great workout the endorphins and the feel-good hormones and such like are also released. This means lowered stress levels and lowered anxiety and reduced symptoms of depression. Now imagine boosting this with you being physically and mentally present in the moment is a significant added value and initiates Holistic Fitness and Wellness. 

This is especially important as we rush around in our face-paced lifestyle.

Different aspects of our overall health are now catered too, from cardio-vascular exercise, strength training, yoga and meditation and pilates, or an easy walk to take in nature. This has been found to lend to our balance and harmony and both physical and mental wellness, by improving our mind-body connections.

We have to be present in the workout, which focuses on the sensations and various stimuli, movements and even our breathing.

There is then improved coordination and physical performance, which extends to our daily lives and lifestyle patterns. Now this adds value since our pursuit of quick fixes and those short-lived fads can be replaced by healthy habits that make for a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle, meanwhile reaping results of medium to long term and a better quality of life. 

Here’s How You Can Get Started

Mindfulness

Consider joining in or learning mindfulness activities. These can include for example – Yoga, Pilates or even Tai-Chi. This is where the mind and body connection can be highlighted and worked on, while improving your mental clarity and thought process along with enhanced flexibility physically. 

Cardio

This can be quite easy, as you can move from a brisk walk in the park or around the block to activities such as jogging or running.

Added to this cardio bit, can be cycling or learning to dance and in some Caribbean countries – playing the Steel-pan is also a form of Cardio. Thereby you boost your mood and increase your stamina while improving your heart and vascular health. 

Strength

• Building and toning your muscle with strength training exercise and even use of resistance bands
• Weight lifting
• Bench presses and even push-ups – Enhancing bone density and improving strength 

Well-being

This can be around a simple walk in nature to manage your stress levels as well as practising meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Other creative ways which promote relaxation and similar processes to enhance mental well-being can be used.