It is unsurprising that many people are feeling somewhat overwhelmed in these times. Slow fitness could be the ideal way to get your mind and body on the right track and ready to cope with whatever comes your way. Below, Heather Jacoby, CEO of The Yogatique, explains why.
In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of peace and serenity is growing rapidly as stressed-out workers search for new ways to unwind while staying fit. According to a February 2024 Yahoo article, Google searches for “mindful exercise” have increased by 233% year over year, while research shows that at least 37.95 million people practise mindfulness and meditation in the United States.
Born from this desire to merge fitness and mindfulness, a new trend is gaining momentum: Slow Fitness.
This approach to exercise emphasises mindful, deliberate movements and stands in stark contrast to the high-intensity workouts that have dominated the fitness landscape for years.
Heather Jacoby, CEO of The Yogatique, delves into Slow Fitness, its benefits, and how it can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine to enhance your well-being in minutes.
What is Slow Fitness?
“Slow Fitness encompasses a range of low-impact, controlled exercises that prioritise form, breath, and mind-body connection over speed and intensity”, explains Heather.
This approach aligns with the growing wellness movement, offering a much-needed antidote to the stress and hurry of modern life.
Several well-known activities fall under the Slow Fitness umbrella term:
Yoga: A cornerstone of Slow Fitness, yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance flexibility, strength, and mental tranquillity.
Tai Chi: This ancient Chinese practice involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing, offering benefits for balance, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
Pilates: Focused on controlled movements and core strength, Pilates helps improve posture, flexibility, and muscular endurance.
Mindful Walking: Incorporating mindfulness into walking can transform this simple activity into a meditative practice, reducing stress and enhancing mood.
Stretching Routines: Gentle stretching, done slowly and with intention, can improve flexibility, relieve tension, and increase body awareness.
Benefits of Slow Fitness
Slow Fitness offers numerous physical and mental health benefits:
- Increased strength and muscle mass: Contrary to popular belief, slow, controlled movements can effectively build strength.
- Improved endurance: Slow-paced exercises help develop cardiovascular endurance over time.
- Reduced risk of injury: The controlled nature of Slow Fitness movements decreases the likelihood of exercise-related injuries.
- Enhanced mind-body connection: Focusing on each movement cultivates mindfulness and body awareness.
- Stress reduction: The meditative aspect of Slow Fitness can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
Incorporating Slow Fitness into Your Routine
Heather emphasises the accessibility of Slow Fitness, “The beauty of Slow Fitness is that it can be adapted to almost any workout routine. Even a few minutes of mindful movement can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.”
Research supports the efficacy of Slow Fitness approaches. Some studies have shown that super-slow strength training can lead to significant gains in strength and muscle mass comparable to those achieved through traditional resistance training.
Moreover, Slow Fitness’s mindfulness aspect has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, and better sleep quality.
In a world that often prioritises speed and intensity, Slow Fitness offers a refreshing alternative.
“By embracing slower, more deliberate movements, we can cultivate strength, flexibility, and mental clarity – proving that sometimes, less really is more when it comes to exercise,” Heather says.
About The Yogatique
The Yogatique is an online resource that connects individuals with yoga teacher training courses, both online and in-person. They offer in-depth reviews and comparisons of various yoga teacher training programs, helping aspiring yoga teachers find the best fit for their needs.
The platform also provides access to online yoga classes, yoga studio reviews, and yoga gear. With a focus on affordability and convenience, The Yogatique aims to make yoga education accessible to everyone, offering comprehensive guides and expert insights.
Heather Jacoby is a Certified Yoga Teacher and the visionary behind The Yogatique. With over 15 years of yoga practice, she is an RYT-200 certified instructor. Heather created The Yogatique to help yogis and growth-oriented individuals discover high-quality yoga and wellness training.
Methodology
The number of online searches on “mindful exercise” came from a February 2024 article on Yahoo.
The study on the number of Americans doing mindfulness practices came from Mindfulnessbox.com.
Research on super slow training was taken from a 2001 research paper on ResearchGate.
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