Breathing and Circulation - Rebooting Ourselves for Optimum Health

We've all experienced the computer gliches that make us crazy.  Anyone who's done any video editing has experienced spending hours of time only to lose their edits and changes and have to start from scratch.  Or working on a project and the getting the dreaded blue screen.  If we get nine lives like cats at least half of mine were lost to my computer.

When the computer freezes or the system gets temporarily corrupted we have to reset or reboot.  If we're fortunate the computer is not damaged (although we may be), and it starts fresh. 

What happens when our human system strarts gliching?  The stress of the day or new unforseen event intrudes upon us (like lost video edited montage). A pain in the back arises from seemingly nowhere.  A head ache or tight stomach intervenes.  What about on going issues that don't stop us but just annoy or effect us enough so we are carrying on at 40 to 70% of our best?

Wayne Dyer tells the story of his 90 year old mother who was complaining about aches and pains from sitting around watching TV.  She wasn't moving.  Wayne bought his mother a yoga DVD and within 2 days she was pain free.

As we get older and we get a bit more sendentary in life, all kinds of maladies can affect us.  But even those who stay active playing sports or engaging in active hobbies find the aches and pains of the strenuousness taking its toll.  So even keeping active to exercise the body often produces its wear and tear producing the opposite effect as well.

What's the solution?  We don't want to stop doing what we love.  The ancient eastern asian traditions have been dealing with these matters a few centuries longer than we have in the US.  They understood that moving energy, circulating energy and breath have a profound impact on health. 

Ron NaVarre of StressDefense is a brilliant teacher of Chi Gung, Tai Chi and Yoga

A great yoga class, chi gung class or Tai Chi class can often feel like you are resetting your personal human computer.  Like a fresh reboot.  It's the circulation and movement of energy in a way that is far gentler on the body and allows the cultivation of vital life force or CHI, instead of the workout just depleting your energy storehouses.

As we get older, this energy is what we need if we are going to restore and regenerate ourselves. Doing exercise aimed at promoting vital energy throughout the human body, not only reboots and restores our system, it reduces the process of aging itself.  In discovering this key to health, we can ensure a much more vibrant physical, emotional, and intellectual life.

I enjoy yoga and chi gung.  It makes me feel great in my body and relieves stress.  In AEROFORM I merge the best of these exercises and focus the work on breathing as a main component. Breath is the most powerful tool we have to affect instant and lasting change and few people are really aware of it.  In AEROFORM you learn right away, how to use it effectivesly and by integrating it and synchronizing it with movements leads to the profound healthful benefits I've been speaking about.

I have been dancing for many decades now and dance can change anyone's state.  The beauty of syncing movements with beats and music and everything coming together in time is regenerating and often exhiliarating.  This is one of the formulas that is incorporated in AEROFORM.  The synchronisity of movement in time with breath.  It becomes an incredible moving mediation, like Tai Chi but with more invigorating motions.

With this meditation you have a choice to activate and energize or relax and destress according to your intention and how you use your breath.  Either way you reset your system to the way you want it.

For me it does both, energizes and relaxes, which I know sounds diametrically opposed.  I coined a phrase a few years back to describe the AEROFORM effect as, "Energized Peacefulness".  Feeling vibrant, alert, energized, calm, relaxed and centered all at the same time.  What is perhaps my favorite part is it all happens in under 22 minutes.  And that was a goal to have something that could be done quickly that works.
No one can stop the unforseen challenges, difficulties, issues that come into our lives.  This is all a part of our existence.  What we can do is learn how to reset the system when we realize we are not functioning with a useful opeartaing system for ourselves. AEROFORM has been that restart and reset for me.  Find one that will work for you.  It will be worth it.  And if in practicing this routine you can provide a future of health as well, more the better.

For more information on AEROFORM and how you can take a class, learn privately, or create a class call me at 201 475-5769.  Have an energized peaceful day.

Michael

Light and Moderate Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Early Death, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (July 25, 2010) — A new study by researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Cambridge University and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has found that even light or moderate intensity physical activity, such as walking or cycling, can substantially reduced the risk of early death.

For the full article please read here.

"The good news from this study is that you don't have to be an exercise freak to benefit from physical activity. Just achieving the recommended levels of physical activity (equivalent to 30 minutes daily of moderate intensity activity on 5 days a week) reduces the risk of death by 19% [95% confidence interval 15% to 24%], while 7 hours per week of moderate activity (compared with no activity) reduces the risk of death by 24% (95% CI 19% to 29%)."

With more and more scientific evidence coming out to support the findings of thousand year old wisdom, there's never been a better time to find the type of exercise that best supports you, no matter how sedentary you may have been. 

The wonderful thing about AEROFORM is that it offers one of the most meaningful ways to get health coursing through your body because you are using your breath, the core health system of your body to move.  Whether you rarely exercise or are highly trained athlete it offers an inside out approach to your health.  AEROFORM includes both light activity and moderate intensity throughout the workout.  While the full workout can be done in under 30 minutes, adding in a few strength training exercises at the end with AEROFORM breathing techniques would be an ideal way to conclude your full 30 minutes.

Contact me today to find out how you can get started on a lifetime exercise you can do for the rest of your life.

What happens in your body when you are stressed?

This is a reprint of Howard VanEs' website article.  It describes what happens to us when we are in a state of stress.  He also happens to mention in another article that breathing is the first line of defense to the debilitating effects below.  There are many tools available to help, of which AEROFORM happens to be one of my favorite.  But the more resources you have the better you will be able to live a long and good feeling life.  Enjoy the article and visit his website.

What happens in your body when you are stressed?

When we are faced with a stressful situation our bodies react with a number of chemical and hormonal changes that trigger the parasympathetic nervous system to prepare us for what is referred to as “fight or flight”; a response that prepares us to either flee – run away – or to stay and fight off the threat. This automatic reaction is a throwback to prehistoric times when the correct choices meant survival. Imagine for a moment that you are faced by a neighbor from a warring tribe or a wild animal – there is no time to think about options – just instant judgement, which means either fighting or fleeing.

The fight or flight response produces a number of changes in the body. Here’s what happens: When your brain senses danger the hypothalamus is triggered and a signal is sent to the pituitary gland which in turn sends messages to other glands of the body. This results in a release of chemicals and hormones which cause the adrenal glands to secrete noradrenaline and dopamine – a group of chemicals known as “catecholamines” which have direct effect on the major systems of the body. The cardiovascular system is boosted resulting in an increased heart rate, a stronger heart beat, and increased blood pressure which helps to pump blood to the limbs and large muscle groups in preparation for fighting or running.

Blood flow to the stomach is shut down (as is digestive activity) and is directed away from the skin to help the heart pump more blood to the muscles. This explains why our skin can feel cool, clammy and sweaty when feeling stress or anxiety. Sweaty skin also helps to provide a slippery surface for anything trying to grab us. There is also an increased release of fat and sugar into the bloodstream to provide energy for this up-regulated mode. The breathing rate increases to help the lungs take in much more oxygen, which explains the panting like breath we experience when feeling anxious, scared or panicky.

As you might imagine the “fight or flight” response was very useful back in prehistoric times; however the problem is that this same survival mechanism gets triggered to a certain degree when you are in any stressful situation – fighting traffic on the highway, standing in a long line at the grocery store, having to make a presentation to large group, asking your boss for a raise, etc. Very rarely do our modern day stressors require the level of reactivity that the “fight or flight” response triggers. Scientists are now realizing that our reaction to stress is a continuum – going from a high degree of stress to just the opposite – deep relaxation. In the middle is a balanced state.

As you can now see, our bodies are biologically pre-wired to react in certain ways to stress. The problem is that we do not face the same life-threatening stressors our predecessors did, but our body reacts as if we did! Take a look at our website to learn about the many ways you can manage stress and take control of your life.

Live Well,

Howard VanEs
http://www.mystressproofing.com/

Wired Magazine - The Scientific Study of Stress on People

Wired magazine in August had an incredible article on Stress.  Many people have known about the debilitating impact that stress has but maybe didn't realize the full impact.  I think this article spells it out in a new light.

Read the article.

After I read this article I felt that everyone needed to see it.  You see even those of us that practice Mind-Body exercise are not immune to being hit by stress.  I have sometimes very powerful bouts with stress like trying to fight Hercules. It's precisely knowing that I don't want to live this way that leads me to stress reducing actions and techniques. 

The article however adds a new dimension to finding relief.  If we don't we are sure to succumb to the disease  that comes from the dis-ease.  As this type of information becomes more easily accessible to the public, the idea of a vaccine for stress will probably be a very popular option.  I have always believed that the human being is more powerful when accsessing all of what is available to us.  Stress is not new, what's new is that science is beginning to show what most of us know intuitively:  Stress kills.  From this article we now know how it happens.

Byron Katie says, "There are no physical problems - only mental ones."  My former teacher Sifu Ken Lo would say, "everything that  happens to you happens out of a lack of awareness".  If we close down, run away or fight stress, we are still engaged in it. If we become aware and move through it than it changes and we grow. 

The healthy way to move through stress is to become present and ground ourselves in the moment.  As many moments as we possibly can.  This is where AEROFORM and the aforementioned processes truly come to our aid.

Embrace life, love and health,

Michael Sage

Create Energy Naturally - Eliminate Stress

Dr. Mercola is a fairly well known advocate of a healthy lifestyle on the web.  I actaully enjoy his straight forward approach to issues.  Below is his take on coffee and caffiene to boost your energy.



Besides B12 as a natural assistant to boosting health, you heard Dr. Mercola talk about exercise. Many doctors and health minded individuals talk about exercise to keep and maitain health, but boosting energy requires one important thing as we age:  Enhancing, developing and retaining CHI or energy more than we use up and exhaust.  This is called the cultivation of vital energy. 

It just means it is ideal for the body to participate in a practice that adds, moves and enhances your store of energy and your ability to use it efficently, and move away from those actions and behaviors that zap it.

Tai Chi, Yoga, Chi Gung and AEROFORM along with most internal forms of martial arts actually give you a practice that moves toward this beneficial energy cultivation as a by product of the exercise itself.  So while you are enjoying the process of moving your body and engaging your mind, the benefits are far greater than just in the moment.

A lot of people think if they do these forms of exercise that they have to just do those things.  That's not true.  You can play basketball or softball, or lift weights or run and still enjoy the benefits of these practices.  In fact as mentioned in other blogs, it will enhance those experiences.

Embrace life, love and health,

Michael Sage

AEROFORM for Actors and Performers

I was recently reading my email when I saw something about actors workshops.  My acting career was over many years ago, but I'm still in the loop of casting.  Periodically with my event company we need a specific performer so we'll search the net.

It took me back to the very first time I learned a similar seriecs when I was in an acting BFA program in college.  The professors were always stressing you must prepare the body properly for optimum expression.  But being young and full zest I wasn't sure how the work applied.

Now much later in life I understand all too well how a mind-body centering exercise series can be not only one of the best physical warm ups for creative expression, but the peace and relaxation that results from the work is ideal to get the best out of yourself.

For me I often have to work 2 events in one day, and each event is equivalent of a mini marathon, with the mental and physical drain.  Even in my late 20s in amazing shape doing 2 events at full throttle would require at least a 24 hour recupperation period.  Now much later in life few would even imagine that doing two of these in one day at such a high energy level is possible.  I owe my entire career to AEROFORM and mind-body exercise. 

And each time I do AEROFORM I become more attuned to the wide range of benefits beyond the ability to have energy for an entire day even at high exertion levels.  This is where it occured to me that AEROFORM would amount to a potentially ideal warm up and work out for performers of all types particularly actors, singers and dancers. 

If you have a space that you'd like to see AEROFORM, acting companies, schools, mind body centers or individuals consider having a demonstration class to see the benefits for your artists.  Contact me today at 201 475-5769 to set up a demo free of charge.

Welcome to the Aeroform BLOG - Staying on Top

Quick news flash:  AEROFORM will be starting classes again this fall at Life Movement and I'm happy to be offering it here.  Sigi who runs Life Movement is a very supportive integrated person who incredibly excited to bring AEROFORM in to her studio.  Classes will be starting in October and there will be 2 demo days to come try it out for free.  For more information contact the studio or hit me with an email.

WHY NOT BRING AEROFORM TO YOU!

Do you have a few friends who would like to do AEROFORM as part of your weekly routine. Why not bring AEROFORM to you? You don't need a lot of space and it can easily be done outside on a lawn. You can do it in a living room. Have your own private class in the privacy of your own space. Rates are very reasonable, and it's guranteed to be a game changing experience for you and your friends.  You could make it a regular part of your health regimen.  If you are not completely satisfied with results I'll refund your money.

Call 201 475-5769 to get more information or set up a time. The introduction is half price.

Okay that sounds good but, uh, so what is AEROFORM?

I'm glad you asked.  Aeroform is an short but very effective exercise series in the tradition of Tai Chi (slow flowing motions), Vinyassa Yoga (a more fast paced, flowing style of Yoga rather than holding poses) and Chi Gung (mainly a stationery style of internal exercise – a Chinese system of physical and mental training for health, martial arts and self-enlightenment. Literally meaning breath power).  It's fairly easy to pick up and can be learned in a relatively short amount of time.  Once you have it you can do it for the rest of your life.

How AEROFORM differs is it truly is breath centered and breath powered exercise, you are using your breath in time with your movements as a main focus of the workout.  This syncing of movements – using your breath to inspire and power your movements - creates a whole list of benefits inside your body from tissues, organs and glands to detoxifying your cells, while toning, shaping and energizing your outer body.

We use slow flowing motions AND quicker uptempo style expressive movements that you control. How you chosse to express it can bring you an increase of dynamic energy that can last a full day or as a meditative, stress releasing and relaxing style workout.  You determine your results by your intention.

What will I be doing in a class?

AEROZONE is a 7 minute warm up - workout consisting of 18 standing exercises including twisting, circling, tapping and swinging and can be done by almost anyone regardless of current fitness levels.

AEROFORM is an 18 to 22 minute form – which continues to stretch, loosen, awaken and release your body in sections from your torso and spine, to your abdominal, from your head to your legs.

In either class you will be breathing fuller and learning how to use your breath to connect with and motivate your movements.

You will be learning the individual exercises and then putting them in sequence to complete the form.  One day we may focus on a particular body part that is troubling, or a release sequence.  Another class we may focus on using the routine for strength and power.  Another way is to use it as a meditation.  That's the versatility of the program.

What it’s not?

It is not holding poses or about pushing you to test your limits. It’s not a slow motion dance style movement like Tai Chi. It’s not an aerobic class or a funky dance class where you walk out sweating. It’s not a military boot camp style workout. We're not lifting weights or working with props.

What you can expect form AEROFORM?


1. You can expect to breath more fully, openly and deeply than you ever have before.

2. You can expect that you will be able to do all the movements with some degree of success. You can expect that those you have trouble with at first will come along easier relatively quickly if you allow yourself to not have to be an all star right out of the box.  You will get better at them as you go along.

3. You can expect to sweat from the heat that builds from internal cleansing due to fuller breathing.

4. You will discover how powerful standing and using your body in simple exercise can actually be.

5. These are slow movements and quicker movements that work together mostly in a standing position to achieve the desired results.

6. You can expect to feel grounded, centered, calmer, peaceful and energized.

7. You can expect that if you are like most people you may get tense just from breathing, and we'll show you how to breathe without the tension.

8. You can expect to be focused totally on your own body, energy, thoughts and learning about yourself in a whole new way.
9. You can expect a positive, supportive class environment allowing you to go at your own pace.

10. If find the exercise is right for you, you can expect to feel really good afterward.

Who is it for?

AEROFORM is for people who like new, exciting and alternative ways of exercising and expanding their awareness about themselves. It offers you an opportunity to have an introspective workout, where you learn and grow while you are actually taking care of your body and mind.

AEROFORM is ideal for those who have a desire toward self growth. It is perfect for those who like mind-body connective exercise. It is perfect for those who have taken or enjoy the idea of meditation, yoga, martial arts, tai chi or chi gung. People who have an interest in self enlightenment, self enrichment, and self empowerment flourish with it.

Additional note - AEROFORM works really well in conjunction with more traditional style workouts.   I use AEROFORM techniques in all my various types of workouts, whether it's Weight Training, Pilates or aerobics on an elliptical trainer. 

Sports Note - Athletes, professional or amateur need to limber, stretch and warm their bodies up before they go full out.  No matter what athletic event you do AEROFORM can do more than just warm and loosen up your body.  It centers your mind for ease of focus and if done for this purpose can fully energize the system.  These kinds of benefits are pretty much reserved for mind-body exercises.

For GOLFERS this IS one of best warm ups I've ever seen or done for golf.  Golfers know that the body particularly the back, knees and neck often take a beating.  And the ability to relax and focus is primary for great results.  As an avid golfer I've not only found AEROFORM to be an ideal warm up for my body, but the calming, centering and mental benefits often allow me to play better and lower my score, sometimes dramatically. Sometimes simply because I feel so good in my body I'm able to better manage my emotions on the not so good shots I hit, and that makes for a more enjoyable round altogether.

Why do AEROFORM?

Most people discover they have immense amount of energy and feel really good afterward.  It also helps to detoxify your system, while working you out from inside out.  A pretty cool concept and even better when you feel it for yourself.

If you’ve ever wanted the benefits of meditation but cannot sit still AEROFORM is for you. AEROFORM will clear your mind while stretching, toning, loosening and releasing your body from the inside out.

If you are looking to have energy for an entire day, AEROFORM can invigorate your entire body and wake you up like a steady flow of coffee.

AEROFORM can also be expressed for relaxation to wind down and a release all the stresses of the mind for the evening.

The morning sessions will emphasize energizing and awakening every part of your body.

The late afternoon and evening sessions will emphasize stress release, relaxation and centering.

Who it is not for?

While AEROFORM has been proven to be beneficial for everyone from top athletes and martial artists to every day sedentary folks, anyone who wants a hard physical workout, or a fast paced form of exercise to "kind of just go away" and just “work your body out” this will probably not be for you. 

AEROFORM most benefits from your choice and willingness to use your breath and body together.  In order to do that you need your mind to be present to assist you in the exercises.  You can get decent results without it, but the more present and focused your awareness is during the exercise the FAR greater the benefits.  It is a liberating and empowering feeling to work this way but it if you prefer the type of workout where you just following along to get your body moving this probably will not be for you.

For a video sample of what it looks like please visit the website.  I look forward to your questions and comments.