Mind/body aerobics is a form of movement that increases fitness in some way -- muscular strength, aerobic levels, flexibility, and balance, but also enables you to engage your mind in a non-judgmental way and with an inward-directed focus that allows you to connect with your core self. 

What does that mean?

In short, that means you ask your mind and your muscles to be present and accounted for and to stay intentionally connected to each other. To define the different terms, mind - body aerobics is the process, and mind-body harmony is the result.

For some, this sense of connectedness does not come easy at first. In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to become human-doings instead of human-beings. As a result of our lifestyles, allowing ourselves to "slow down" does not always feel natural for us, but in fact, taking time to nurture ourselves is not only what our body and our mind naturally crave, it is necessary for our well-being!

Mind-body movement focuses on the present, not the future. There is no goal, just a continuing practice, which in most cases leads to overall wellness. So, compared to traditional Western fitness routines where your goal may be to lose weight or decrease minutes from your running time, mind-body fitness routines are about just being there and doing them. Just like listening to your favorite song, the joy is in the moments of hearing each line--you are not waiting for it to get over with. Enjoying the process of your mind-body workout makes the outcome of fitness just an added bonus! This synergist approach in health and exercise appeals to people of all fitness levels, all ages, and various life situations. The main aim is often to manage stress and aid in the release of tension and discomfort caused by modern lifestyles.

To achieve mind-body harmony various traditional as well as innovative new exercise programs have gained in popularity in recent years. Many of these programs include, or draw their inspiration from, the following three mind/body exercises:

Tai Chi -- From China. This graceful form of exercise looks like Karate in slow motion. The gentle choreography rotates the body in 95 percent of the ways it was intended to move. Best balancing exercise known, it also lubricates joints so it's great for seniors. Improves coordination, mental focus, flexibility so it's great for athletes, Research shows it is also very beneficial for children.

Yoga --From India. A series of physical postures (asanas) aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit and achieving a state of enlightenment and oneness with the universe while increasing strength and flexibility.

Pilates --From U.S. Conditioning method originally used mainly by dancers, developed by Joseph Pilates (pill-aw-tees). Combines Eastern and Western philosophies of physical and mental development and aims to promote neuro-muscular harmony while focusing mainly on the core stabilizing muscles in the body.

Other forms of mind/body fitness include Meditation, NIA, Ai Chi (Tai Chi in the water), Feldenkrais Method, Chi Ball, Alexander technique, and many others. All of the above listed forms of fitness are believed to balance the mind and body and may focus on the physical, psychological, or spiritual, or a combination of all three.

Carolyn Cooper is a gifted Energy Intuitive, author, and speaker. With amazing simplicity she aligns energy patterns to restore balance to individuals, groups and corporations.  As CEO and founder of Calyco Healing, Inc. Carolyn has created a unique energy-healing training course in which anyone can learn how to heal themselves and others. http://www.CalycoHealing.com  Carolyn is also the host of the “Living in the Flow Show” on the Women’s Information Network.