Mind Body exercises use a combination of techniques, which promote an introspective and meditative approach to physical and mental fitness. Most forms of mind body exercise use a combination of breathing exercises or modes, mindful focus (deep concentration) and prescribed movements with specific intended outcomes.
This exercise format applies the apparent connection between the health and functions of the body and mind to facilitate an effective and integrated approach to mental and physical fitness and well-being.
Beyond The Typical Workout
Mind Body fitness entails more than performing physical exercises to build strong and healthy bones and muscles. A great deal of the benefits derived from mind body fitness depends on the way the exercises associated with the format are performed.
The strong mental focus and awareness integrated into the format supports mental health as well. This is not necessarily as true with other forms of exercise.
Running, weight lifting, jumping rope, kickboxing, and other forms of intense physical exercise are not inherently meditative. Mind Body formats are; they provide the benefits of mindfulness and meditation along with building physical health.
History
Historically, mind body exercise and fitness concepts began to gain popular attention in the 1940s and 1950s. With a little research, it’s easy to locate pictures of Hollywood stars practicing yoga. Indra Devi a film star turned yogi helped popularize the practice during this era.
The emergence of mind body exercise and fitness is also linked with the origins of mind body medicine.
Modern Western mind body medicine is based on the research of Dr. Hans Selye. His study of the fight or flight response and the effects of stress as they relate to modern medicine established the concept. During the 1970s, mind body medicine continued to grow as a field of study and treatment.
During this same period, Harvard University’s Dr. Herbert Benson discerned an opposing psychophysical response in the body, which he identified as the relaxation response. His study of transcendental meditators illustrated the mind body connection by identifying the beneficial physical responses experienced by regular meditators as a direct result of their meditation practice.