Many people think of balance as a guide to help you work multiple muscle groups
and make sure you’re hitting different exercises to target different areas of
the body. While this is important, you might try improving your actual sense of
balance and stability as it may enhance mobility, increase agility and prevent
injuries. It’s a skill that, when developed, can support your performance and
is often easy to incorporate into your existing routine. Start with bodyweight
poses for your legs and feet. Then, work your way toward one-legged squats or
even try using equipment, like balls and boards, designed to help build better
balance.
Workouts can be the perfect opportunity to engage your brain in multiple ways.
Many people think of meditation as a stationary practice, but you can also
meditate while moving your body. One option is to enjoy a morning run while
keeping mental stillness as an active form of mindfulness. Beyond active
meditation, you can also engage your mind with creative problems, projects,
podcasts, music and more that could inspire you to think about something in a
new way, all while moving your body. This approach can pave the way for
discoveries, so try to run or walk outside with one of your 90s windbreakers and a pair of high-quality shoes to practice training
your brain just as hard as you train your body.
Flexibility is another key element for building well-rounded physical fitness
that many people forget about or ignore in their routine. Consider breaking up
your week of cardio or weightlifting sessions with a day dedicated to
stretching, whether that’s with yoga or active stretching to improve your
mobility. If you want to take a step further outside your comfort zone, try hot
yoga or acro yoga with a friend for a unique experience that is sure to engage
your mind and body in creative ways.
A quick way to challenge your body is by surprising it with an unexpected
addition to your typical exercise. Sometimes a Pilates or dance class can be a
fun way to change up your routine. You could try connecting with friends as you
work on new muscles and have some fun with a game of tennis or wall ball. Reach
out to a fitness partner and try following their regimen for a week for a new
experience you might not have thought to try. You can also treat yourself to
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