"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." Albert Einstein
There is some interesting research on the impact of exercise on creative thinking. For those of us who exercise on a regular basis this does not come us a surprise.
There is some interesting research on the impact of exercise on creative thinking. For those of us who exercise on a regular basis this does not come us a surprise.
Exercise has other benefits that contribute to our creativity.
- It relieves tension
- It improves your stamina
- It boosts your mood
- It increases your optimism
Music also has an
important effect because it activates the part of your brain that is hardwired
for pleasure and it influences your state of mind. Hence, it makes sense to
believe that combining both physical exercise and music will be even more
powerful than either of them alone.
Less than a year ago I
posted a blog entry about corporal expression and creativity. I don't have any options to do it where I live, so I resorted to something else: Zumba.
Zumba is like a dance because it allows you to exercise with music while having fun. On the other hand, it is different from any kind of real dance. If you do Zumba or are willing to try it, do not stifle your body by trying to accomplish a perfect set of movements.
The secret to enjoy the class is to loosen your body and to connect with the music. It doesn't matter if you are not following the exact steps your instructor is taking. You can add your touch of creativity and humor. Let your body go where it is willing to go. Leave "Mr Perfection" aside and have fun with it. Laughing is healthy too, so a good dose of it will help you to relax and get the best effects of it.
Zumba is like a dance because it allows you to exercise with music while having fun. On the other hand, it is different from any kind of real dance. If you do Zumba or are willing to try it, do not stifle your body by trying to accomplish a perfect set of movements.
The secret to enjoy the class is to loosen your body and to connect with the music. It doesn't matter if you are not following the exact steps your instructor is taking. You can add your touch of creativity and humor. Let your body go where it is willing to go. Leave "Mr Perfection" aside and have fun with it. Laughing is healthy too, so a good dose of it will help you to relax and get the best effects of it.
Another important
matter to consider is the instructor. After trying with different instructors, I know how important it is to connect with them.
If your instructor seems to be more interested in running a marathon than in
dancing, you may be better off with somebody else.
My favorite
instructor treats the movements with care, making it easy for us to follow her
and to develop our own style. Going fast serves no purpose. I also prefer instructors who hop less and dance more.
Even a regular brisk walk outdoors is enough to benefit your mind and body with the added gift of being in touch with nature.
Even a regular brisk walk outdoors is enough to benefit your mind and body with the added gift of being in touch with nature.
If you have any specific health concerns, discuss it
with your health care provider. Above all, have fun, laugh and be creative.
Do you exercise? What do you do? Share your experience.
Do you exercise? What do you do? Share your experience.
