Inspiring Lives Magazine Winter 2017: Issue 3 | Page 75

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Yoga and Motivation

By Alice Beckett-Rumberger

Be dynamically consistent ! You may be asking yourself , “ What does that mean ?” Attempting to find balance with your work and your personal time can create a lot of stress . The stressors can multiply when you are daily taking care of a family as well .

Finding the motivation to get your to-do list done ( whether it ’ s work-related or family-related ) can be a challenge . However , every woman I know is always up for a challenge … really !
As a working mom with seven children — four still living at home — balance can be a challenge . As a physical therapist , I know how important it is to move our bodies every day . Our bodies and minds are engineered to move , be creative , and rest . Yes … I said rest ! It may seem nearly impossible on those crazy busy days to incorporate both movement and rest . Because it can be overwhelming , Inspiring Lives Magazine wants to share with you a simple yoga sequence . Through yoga , you can calm your active mind . The gentle poses can re-energize your body , and you can find your motivation .
First , find a great motivational saying . This will be your mantra . Take a moment to write it down .
Next , find a comfortable spot to sit ( even in front of your desk ). Find your sitting bones and sit up straight . Inhale deeply . Then slowly exhale . Then , inhale again , and focus on the motivational saying that you chose . Breathe out .
On the next breath , reach your arms over your head , and press them together at the top of your head . Your palms should be together as you pull your hands down toward your chest .
Repeat three times while thinking about your motivational phrase .
Next , move your right hand to your left knee and reach your left hand behind .
Do a gentle twist with your waist , looking over your left shoulder .
Repeat three times , and do the same to the other side .
Finish by stretching your arms overhead , and gently reach back to extend your spine . Do this three times .
Let your hands meet overhead on the last repetition and pull your hands down , meeting in front of your heart , and repeat your personal message .
Set your intention , be dynamic , and take care of you ! n
Photo : Ian Wilson
Alice Beckett-Rumberger , the owner of TheraFusion , is a licensed physical therapist with over 25 years of experience who is trained to teach yoga . She has worked with professional athletes , individuals with disabilities and everyday people wanting to improve their fitness , rehabilitate from an injury , or simply get the most from their bodies ! Rumberger is a member of the APTA and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh .
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