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It is no secret that being fit provides many health benefits and improves quality of life.  Stretching, for example, helps to ensure adequate joint range of motion while strength training maintains daily function. However, what is less well known are how deeper benefits of self-development can be realized through the process of exercise.

For instance, the practice of acceptance is about allowing others to be as they are without trying to change, fix or alter them.  In giving this gift to others you also give it to yourself.  One way to develop acceptance is through the art of stretching.

Muscles move the body through one end (the origin) attaching to a relatively fixed bone of a joint and the other end (the insertion) that attaches to a freely moving bone of a joint.

To a muscle, stretching is stressful.  The nervous system recognizes this stress and directly signals the muscle to either “hang on to your attachments” or “let go and relax”.  Which of these two signals is sent is based upon your reaction to the stretch experience.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a direct way of communicating to the nervous system. It helps to calm and soothe the body, increase blood flow, and remove lactic acid and other by-products of exercise. 

Self acceptance can be practiced by giving mental space to the tension within the stretched muscle and allow it to be as it is without agenda. The breath-in helps you connect to the current state of the muscle and directly experience its tension.  This is the acknowledgment or acceptance phase. The breath-out is a release that helps the body to relax. As you breathe out, focus upon relaxing the muscle around the stretch tension.  This is the letting go phase. Each successive breath takes you deeper as you progressively connect, accept and release. 

Remaining mindful of accepting how your body feels during a stretch creates a new program in the nervous system.  Over time as you reinforce and strengthen this practice not only will it increase your flexibility but it also provides you with the confidence and skill to apply acceptance to situations that are stressful.

During these situations, remembering to breathe and relax your body will trigger this acceptance program. You may be surprised to see how this practice can help to transform a situation.

Mr. Sheldon Ginsberg President of FitPath Health Services holds a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from State University of New York at Buffalo.  In addition, he has obtained advanced certification as a Strength and Conditioning Coach from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and he is also a 12th level Reiki Master Teacher.  To learn more you can visit www.thefitpath.net or call 305-785-2936

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