CORE Chiropractic Center
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HELPING PEOPLE IMPROVE THEIR LIVES
ArticleTis the Season to Spring Back into Shape! So, we have left the busy holiday seasons for a while… And, the weather is becoming increasingly more beautiful. For many of us, this is the time of year when we rededicate ourselves to the high level of fitness for which we strive and for our swimsuits, trunks and summer apparel to fit us with style. Let's talk more about fitness. Most fitness authorities will tell you that there are three components of fitness. The first typically mentioned is cardiovascular fitness. Activities that increase your heart rate such as walking, swimming, aerobics and running improve your cardiovascular system by strengthening your heart and lungs. The other two components of fitness are flexibility and strength. It is understood that flexibility "comes from stretching exercises that keep your body supple" as stated on the Humana Military Healthcare Services website. And, that strength "comes from weightlifting-either free weights or weight machines-or exercises that use the weight of the body for resistance." All of this is true! One more thing is so important to mention…all three of the fitness components previously mentioned are affected by the health and fitness of your nervous and spinal system. Since your nervous system plays a key role in the coordinating and controlling how your body systems function- ensuring its proper functioning can only help your cardiovascular system, your strength and flexibility. Michael Sharkey, a colleague who entered weight lifting competitions would make sure to come to us to get his spine checked for subluxations. He reported being able to lift more weight and lift with more consistency after seeing us. This makes sense b/c if your body has a spinal imbalance, it will need to take some of its strength just to deal with the imbalance. Furthermore, Michael had many weight-lifting pals who also understood this concept and made sure they were well adjusted not just for the competitions but also for everyday fitness. And, we are all aware that flexibility increases by consistent stretching especially when proper breathing techniques are used. The lesser-known but equally important component is that flexibility can also be increased by removing the spinal imbalances from vertebral misalignments. When these misalignments are adjusted, there is also an increase in flexibility of the nervous system b/c tension is released allowing for more ease. Finally, it is often noted to consult a doctor b/f starting any new fitness program. Also, warming up before you begin your workouts and performing at the level of activity that is appropriate for you will help ensure a smooth healthy process. Another thing that is important that we have already mentioned is spinal balance. If the spine is aligned, there are fewer chances for injuries. Not just injuries to the spine but also to other joints of the body. If the spine is out of alignment, then the rest of your body, especially your knees and hips will be affected. So, repetitive weight-bearing activities such as running, walking, playing racquetball, etc. could potentially speed up the process of wearing down a joint if your spine is imbalanced. And, as for wearing those summer clothes with style… Two things a healthy nervous system can do for you. The first is that the nervous system working at its best gives your metabolism an advantage also. At least the nervous system is giving the metabolism the best messages it can. Next, many people report that as there nervous system get clearer (less nerve interference)- there taste in foods change. Their body starts asking for healthier foods. We all know that will power only takes us so far for so long. If our physiology can actually shift and begin recognizing the gift of healthier foods, our bodies can relearn good habits and actually appreciate them. This can lead to differences in our body shape and weight- not to mention other systems of our body will benefit greatly from healthier foods. So, figure out what activities you truly enjoy that will bring you fitness. So, these two topics bring to mind the word "focus"-have plan, make a plan, what are your specific goals exactly? After you thought through what your fitness goals are, you need to then express these thoughts through words. Go ahead, write it down. For that matter, speak your goals to someone or many people. The very act of speaking your goals to someone-raises the accountability index since now you will fill that you can't let so and so down b/c you have a goal to reach. Finally, act! By now, this is smart action b/c you have a plan. And, see a chiropractor for the balance that will bring nervous system and structural fitness! OTHER ARTICLES
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