Running Smart!

I loved talking to John Stanton this week on Alive! Bodies in Motion. Founder and CEO of The Running Room, John gave a very human account of a journey from being an overweight, heavy smoking executive to a man who runs marathons and inspires people all over the continent to improve their health by getting active.

"Start slowly and enjoy what you're doing." John suggests that a lot of people who have a negative experience with running are probably starting out too fast. He recommends starting with 1 minute running to 1 minute walking briskly for the first week. Over the next 10 weeks, gradually work up to 10 minutes running with 1 minute briskly walking. And the brisk walk is important! It changes the length of your stride and the muscles you are working - so when you start running again, you've had a real rest (more than you would get if you simply slowed your jog or "shuffled" for a minute.)

John figured that one of the big reasons people don't start exercise when they are out of shape is the fear of embarrassment. His suggestion is to get out and find something you enjoy and to find a group to do it with. The group takes attention away from individual insecurities and offers a kind of accountability to keep you doing what you've set out to do.

And he talks about posture and breathing too! Core strength and great posture will make you a better runner! A note though - make sure you are not "gripping" your abdominals or bracing your ribs. This kind of holding can make breathing difficult - and you'll end up with your shoulders around your ears - or an interesting lack of stamina!

My guests on Alive! Bodies in Motion have been unanimous in one thing - to begin your path of finding better health - go and find some kind of physical activity that you ENJOY doing. If you love it, you'll be more likely to do it again and again - and CONSISTENCY is the name of the game.

Embody Your Movement - Love the Body You Live In!

On today's Alive! Bodies in Motion show, I had a great conversation with Eric Franklin; dancer, movement educator, author and founder of the Franklin Method. We discussed how we can use one simple tool to feel better in our bodies. Imagery! It's portable, we don't need any equipment and it costs us nothing! And yet, by playing with it, especially in the things we do everyday like walking, sitting, standing and even breathing, we can quickly begin to feel better in our own skin!!

Eric outlined a couple of simple principles for us. An image works when it is a clear picture. Whatever you are imagining - see it, feel it, even smell it! It must be a vivid image, full of rich detail. When the image is vivid and meaningful to you, your body will respond. 

We get better at what we do most of the time - so play with things that you do regularly. We take 20,000 breaths a day - but when was the last time you practiced enjoying the breaths you take?  Feel the freedom of your gait as you walk, enjoy the ease in your shoulders as you work at your desk. You can use imagery anywhere, anytime!

Eric has some wonderful aphorisms that he uses in his training:
~ Embodying function improves function.
~ Balanced mobility creates stability.
~ Don't solve problems; experience solutions.
~ If you want to change your body, first change your mind.
~ Your flexibility is only as good as your alignment permits.

And my personal favourite...
~ The best image is the one that discovers you.

Change your thoughts to change your body!!
You can hear my interview with Eric Franklin on Alive! Bodies in Motion on VoiceAmerica's Health and Wellness Channel.