The human experience is about movement. Movement defines our experience in life. One who can move easily is often considered young and sprightly and hence enjoyable, as oppose to someone who cannot move, hurts to move, or requires too much energy to move is often considered old and incapable and usually not fun. To reduce our biological age we must use our bodies. I dislike car analogies, but they are so illustrative, so here goes…

So how do we monitor when to exert and when to lay back and recover. One thing I learned from Yoga is that all action, exertion, ‘religious zeal’ as Mr. BKS Iyengar translate tapas, should come from a contented space, namely a quite, contemplative, reflective place. Only in this state are we in calm, knowing and aware of what will serve us best. When we move from an idea or belief that ‘more is better’ than we become prone to injuries. On a more down to earth note how do we know if we are truly tired hence in need of rest and recovery or simply lethargic. If this is the case start your exercise routine if you quickly kick the lethargic sense of being your good to go, If not, than modify exercise, shorten it or abort entirely and take to recovery or what the yoga/asana discipline calls restorative.

As you can see an exercise regimen requires a balance between exertion and recovery; too little exercise and our myofascial sheaths begin to restrict and constrict, to much and the body is not available to fully recover continuing a cycle of trauma, injury and re-injury.

Over exercising is not the problem for must of us. Even though I do see and treat over exertion from time to time. Treatment includes acknowledging unexplained pain patterns not recognized by the medical community and reframing the clients/patients frame of reference or experience. Recovery can be slow but usually steady.

For the rest of us movement and exercise increases circulation, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and clearing the tissues of metabolic waste build up. Movement also serves to keep myofascial restrictions and dehydration to a minimum.

Movement/exercise also functions to reverse the flow of substances via our skin. Our skin acts as a sponge absorbing toxic substance from the air and from applicants to the skin (lotions, soaps detergents, deodorants/antiperspirants etc.) Exercise that produces a sweat opens the skins spores and the out going fluid carry waste/toxic material with it. Of course the body should be replenished by taking in plenty of pure water. Endorphins are also released enhancing moods and well being. Not only are we physically better but mentally in a better space to pursue and accomplish.