The Body Never Lies ~ Martha Graham

I surprisingly have some extra time this morning, so I'd like to share some Martha Graham quotes:

~ Nothing is more revealing than movement.

~ The body is a sacred garment.

~ The body is your instrument in dance, but your art is outside that creature, the body.

~ The body never lies.

~ The body says what words cannot.

All five force me to slow down and think. And, then I pause, breathe, think, feel and breathe. And, then I return to typing because I want to finish this post, turn up some music, finish cleaning, move, breathe and be free in my own body. I feel ready to move, to feel joy, to give thanks, to be present.

All five can be great writing prompts wherever you are. You might be in a light, energetic, focused mode. A slow, depressed, low mode. An anxious, heart-thumping mode. A middle-of-the-road, mundane Wednesday mode.

Wherever you are, what messages might your body be telling you? What stories lie within your body, your bones, your cells? And, how can you take care or honor what your body is telling you?

Inner Movement Mama

I'm sure you've heard the term "your inner parent" - the adult part of yourself that should ultimately take care of you, all of your feelings, all of your moods, all of your responsibilities. That's a BIG job, especially when feelings span from one end of the rainbow to the other and to-do lists seem to never ease. But, she is always there ready for your requests.

Since I'm a personal movement trainer, here's where I coin the phrase "Inner Movement Mama". Might sound a little silly, but take a few moments to think what that could mean, how it could help you.

Do you often battle with body image? Do you have guilt on the days you don't exercise? Do you wonder what days you should incorporate weight training? Do you feel anxious that you're not stretching enough? Do you wonder how much cardio you should squeeze into your week? Do you ever purge through exercise or otherwise? Do you struggle with any sort of emotional eating? Do you have a solid sense of listening to your body? Do you know the wonders and satisfaction and peace of deep breathing? Do you stay on track only to fall off after a too-strict two weeks? Do you turn to Shape/Fitness/Oxygen/Cosmopolitan/People magazines to read about the latest diet fads? Do you stare at the newest diets wondering when in the heck you'll get used to those bland tasting foods (and how in the world you won't faint from such low calories)?

Does my list of question after question above sound a bit like the tape in your head that never stops spinning when you are trying your absolute best to eat and exercise "right"?

I understand. I truly understand. And, since I've done a lot of my own work (*Oh, and I still am along with everyone else...), I've discovered a way to help me tune into my body. There are days I feel my bones and muscles and cells and spirit talking to me. I know exactly what I need. Maybe a heart-pumping step class. Maybe some flow yoga. Maybe to push and pull some dumbbells and resistance bands. Maybe rest.

And then, there are days I am stressed or anxious or exhausted. You know what I mean. Those are the days I feel like the 4-year-old girl who wants comfort, no worries, no taxes, no difficult situations! Yet, I know better than that. And, while I might be swarming with yuck feelings of anxiety, I also know that my mind knows what's best. I know that while my body might feel like stomping her feet, my mind knows how to collect some information about my physical state and lead me to where I need to go.

*Perhaps I've been teaching a lot of yoga to clients and haven't had a chance to get in some aerobic movment in a few days. While I'm feeling flexible and calm, I'm feeling a little low energy one afternoon, and my Inner Movement Mama comes in to say, "Take a long walk or a great class - it'll amp up your energy and mood once you get moving."

*Perhaps I've been subbing a lot of classes lately, and I need a break. But, it's sunny outside, and some old stuff comes up saying, "it's sunny, get some exercise". My Inner Movement Mama comes in and says, "open your door, smell the fresh air, get comfortable and grounded on your floor, breathe deeply, maybe take a nap."

*Perhaps I'm anxious with a very nervous stomach or indigestion. I'm having a hard time listening to my hunger/full signals so I maybe eat too much or not enough to sustain me through a long morning of work. My Inner Movement Mama comes in and says, "You've got hurt in your heart. Let me take care. You know you need to fuel yourself with just the right amount - You might not be able to detect hunger/full signals now, so take an objective point of view to what your body needs to thrive - give yourself a break from always having to tune into your signals 24/7. Your mind can take over here and there too. Feed yourself enough but not too much, and breathe." Hallelujah! Sometimes my common sense can actually do the work!

Next time you're a little confused about your next daily step to exercising or eating, talk to your Inner Movement Mama. I promise you she's wise and will always be there to pick you up when you fall.

Happy Weekend!

POWERFit videos review

I just finished viewing Stephanie Huckabee's new 5-dvd exercise dvds POWERFit. I actually did the Legs and Shoulders dvd, and the 20 minutes flew by! (You can see my initial post directly below when I announced the production and selling of this new workout series.)



Once again, these videos are 20-minutes max each. 20 minutes. You read right. Stephanie uses the "split" approach meaning the workouts are designed to target different areas of the body in lieu of a total-body workout. She also emphasizes the idea to be kind to your body, that you don't need to beat yourself up to make movement count. (Kudos to her!)



This 20-minute approach is refreshing and friendly to beginners and to those who might need an energy boost. I felt a nice warmth move through me as my body heated up and my breath deepened. I finished the workout feeling energized (i.e. ready to clean my apartment!) but not the least bit exhausted (I've still got energy to take my very favorite step class this Friday afternoon - woo!).



However, if you're truly needing and looking for a stress-busting session, you'll need to combine two dvds, bump up exercises to more advanced versions, or do another form of movement to release more energy. Like I've said before, I'm not a trainer who wants to "whip you into shape". I take a more gentle approach. Yet, from my years of enjoying a variety of movement through teaching and taking classes, and my time spent being trained to teach, I'm personally conditioned to take it up a notch when my spirit's soaring and my body's ready to go!....I wish the same for you!

To order POWERFit, these are the two places that will have more videos available in May:

www.qvc.com

http://www.collagevideo.com/searchresults.aspx?type=all&search=powerfit

Video Alert! Plus Listening to YOUR Body

A former fellow fitness trainer, Stephanie Huckabee, is about to launch a new video series on QVC this coming Sunday, April 19. (check it out: www.stephaniehuckabee.com) I'm THRILLED for her - She was a good mentor for me, always genuine, when we both taught at The FIRM in Columbia, South Carolina. Her current philosophy is to give yourself 20 minutes a day (the dvds are 20 minutes max) to tend to your body and self. Go, Steph!

I must say, it helped to have a mentor at that time, a time when I was very confused about diet and how-much-is-too-much exercise, weights, cardio, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. Have you ever felt like that? How many days should I perform resistance training, how much cardio should I include weekly? Can I eat carbs? Should I stick to low sodium everything? Should I just do yoga? Should I hire a hard trainer? Should I write down every move I make and every bite I take?

I know how that feels. And, the answer? There's not just one answer. And, with all due respect to Stephanie's videos or Cathe Friedrich's videos (whom I admire also) - you must find what works for Y-O-U. There might be days where 20 minutes of bandwork might be plenty. There might be days where you need a 45-minute power walk. There might be days where you need flow yoga.

Same with food, nourishment. The answer is nestled in listening to your body. And, that's a personal affair that can be supported by a healthy mentor, an empathetic therapist, educational reading material, etc. Eat to fuel your body, Feed your soul beyond food.

Throughout this journey, I encourage you to enjoy discovering what works for you, seeking support and guidance when necessary, and ultimately, taking really good care of yourself!