Relaxation Exercise
Most of us associate exercise with strenuous, demanding activity that pushes us to our limits. Of course, this is part of a healthy regimen. But, what many don’t know, is that effective rest is equally important to proper development of the muscles. If you get a good night’s sleep after each workout, you will see increased benefit. Another great method is to engage in meditation for about 20 minutes after your workout. Even if you don’t have a spiritual orientation, this practice can confer tangible physical benefits, and is being increasingly recommended by medical experts at Harvard and elsewhere. For a basic meditative experience, try sitting still in a comfortable chair with your eyes closed for about 20 minutes. Allow your limbs to become heavy, and imagine that you are inert. This will be enough to make you feel a bit of a relaxing sensation, and will loosen your muscles. The Taoists believe that in life, everything must come in conjunction with its opposite; what better counterpart to exhertion than a passive, restorative phase?