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Benefits of Martial Arts Musings

The Yin and Yang of Exercise and Rest

The following is a guest post by Ali & Destrey, a husband/wife massage duo who both take Tae Kwon Do at NWSMA, along with their son. I asked them to write a piece for the NWSMA blog, because it’s nice not to have to hear myself talk all the time, haha!!

Ali & Destrey run All Mind & Body Massage in Arlington, WA. You can check out All Mind & Body on their Facebook page.

test anxiety
Is your mind/body, exercise/rest balance off?

“Lets explore the importance of balance between exercise and rest.

Exercise is bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical and mental fitness using the mind and body in motion. There are many forms of mental and physical exercise. Looking at physical exercise we may think of a martial art, sports, gardening, playing in the playground, our daily work, or the latest fitness fad. Mental exercises can include doing schoolwork, solving problems, focusing on movement, playing video games.

Rest is a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities. Allowing rest into a busy schedule is important. Rests helps the body and mind to rejuvenate and refocus. Taking five minutes to breath and stretch or eight long hours of good sleep will help provide energy to be healthy. Massage is a great way for the mind and muscles to be rested and repaired. The body repairs and strengthens itself in the time between workouts, and continuous exercise can actually weaken your body and mind.

Finding a balance in life is very important in return it allows us to remain healthy and happy. When life becomes unbalanced we can experience stress or become disconnected to our life. Picture the yin and yang and the harmony of supporting constant change with balance.

Look in to your life and find your balance between exercise and rest. Enjoy getting just enough of both to achieve your harmony.”