Sometimes we make things too complicated. There are all kinds of elaborate programs on the market telling you how to get in great shape. But what if I told you that the foundation to being fit and strong was so easy a baby could do it? It would be hard to believe, but it's true. And babies everywhere are doing it!
I am talking about doing basic functional movements modeled after babies and how they move, organize movement patterns, and learn to stabilize. Since we do not have to teach babies how to move - lift their head, rollover, or crawl - we typically don’t think about all that goes into these developments.
If we look closely, however, there is much that we can learn from the amazing process these little ones go through as they develop their ability to move.
“The functional progression is a movement sequence that mimics the way babies naturally develop movement patterns - from the ground up, from the core outward. When practiced daily, the Functional Progression rehabilitates compromised core muscles (such as happens with pregnancy) and strengthens your core to move the way it was designed to move.” Erica Boland DC
A Developing Baby
As the central nervous system matures infants gain more and more control over their movements. They are able to control their posture and move in more intentional ways. This generally happens automatically, with each new movement building off the last in a specific developmental sequence.
The baby’s bones, muscles, and soft tissue are maturing simultaneously. Together this allows the baby to develop automatic motor patterns and gain structural stability. Proper development in these areas is the foundation of healthy, efficient movement.
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In her book the Four Tendencies, Gretchen Rubin lays out a framework that describes how different people respond to expectations. To begin with, she explains the two kinds of expectations we face:
- Outer expectations are those that are put upon us by others. Things such as meeting a deadline at work, or obeying traffic regulations would be considered outer expectations.
- Inner expectations are the expectations we put upon ourselves. They are the type of goals we think of when we make a New Year’s resolution (to eat healthy, exercise, get more rest, etc.).
What are the four tendencies?
gretchenrubin.com
The Upholder
“I do what others expect of me - and what I expect from myself.”
Wishing you a happy & healthy holiday season!
May this new year bring you increased peace, joy, and freedom.
I look forward to walking alongside you and supporting you in your health journey this upcoming year.
Dr. Jamie
As the New Year approaches, millions of people begin planning their New Year’s Resolutions. Exercising, losing weight, and saving money are among the most popular goals for 2019.
While the new year may feel like a great time to start fresh, accomplishing these resolutions is not as easy as it may seem. According to the University of Scranton, research suggests that only 8% of people achieve their New Year's goals.
Perhaps the reason so many people do not succeed, is that they are missing some key elements in making their resolutions. This year let’s look at some important principles that are commonly missed, and set you up for success!
1. Clarify Your “Why?”
Take some time to slow down and get to know yourself. This might sound strange, but so many times we rush through life to the point where we lose track of ourselves. In order to set meaningful goals, we need to get back in touch with our true self.
Notice what you are truly passionate about so that you know what is worth changing in your life. There’s no point in working hard towards a goal that doesn’t align with what you want in life. Make sure you are investing in things that really matter.
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Here in the Midwest winter is definitely upon us, and the cold weather will not be going away any time soon. Many people do not enjoy this weather and prefer to hibernate inside during the colder months sipping on a warm drink by the fire or taking a hot bath. The last thing they want to do is to take a cold shower or embrace the cold in other ways!
Today I want to talk to you about the benefits of embracing the cold weather and engaging in extreme temperature exposures. You may be surprised to learn that practices like taking a cold shower have many health benefits.
I invite you to come into this discussion with an open mind, no matter how much you would prefer to live in a sunny, warm climate year-round!
Our Ancestors
If you have been following me for a while, you may know that I often look at how our ancestors lived as a guide. There is a huge discrepancy between how our ancestors experienced the weather and how we experience it. Our current society does not have the exposure to the elements that people did in our ancestors' time.
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There are many things that make Thanksgiving so special. For many the time spent with family or friends gives the day special significance, while others particularly enjoy the traditional tasty dishes of the holiday. I enjoy both these aspects of the holidays as well, but the thing that sets this holiday apart from the others is the focus on gratitude!
It is the one day of the year that our culture encourages us to pause and be grateful for what we have. I hope that you were able to spend some time enjoying the many things you have to be grateful for yesterday. And I want to encourage you not to stop the gratitude there.
'Twas the Day After Thanksgiving
Our culture makes a huge shift from encouraging gratefulness, and the contentment that comes with gratitude, right after the holiday as we are thrown into the busy shopping season.
This year, consider how you can intentionally keep gratitude alive in your heart by establishing a gratitude practice. When you develop a simple gratitude practice you open yourself up to all kinds of health benefits.
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