When we think of beauty, we often think of stillness and tranquility: the face of a classic painting, the serene sight of a mountain lake. But, did you know that movement can be beautiful, too? From flowing ILoveMy pilates routines to vigorous Zumba dances, the beauty benefits of different styles of exercise are endless. Explore how motion can bring out your inner beauty – and get fit in the process – with these inspiring ways to move.
1. Sweating in Style: Exploring Various Workout Routines
Working out is no longer the dreaded “exercise” regime it used to be – it’s become a way of life for millions of people across the globe. From the everyday jogger to the dedicated gains-chasing bodybuilder, modern workouts are trendier and more enjoyable than ever. With so many different approaches, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the most popular reinventions of the exercise wheel.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is renowned as one of the most effective forms of exercise, delivering maximum results for minimal effort. Armed with some workout tunes and no more than 30 minutes of your time, you too can improve your cardio in no time. It entails short bursts of intense exercise followed by short rests – think sprints followed by a slow jog. Before you know it, you’ll have worked up a healthy sweat.
Weight Lifting
Once considered a muscle builder’s exclusive domain, weight-lifting is proving to be an incredible workout option for anyone. From forearm curls to bench presses, picking up the heavy stuff is a great way to burn calories and increase strength rapidly. Don’t be put off by the intimidating atmosphere of a classic gym – today’s boutique establishments provide a much more supportive and inviting environment for beginners.
Yoga
To take things down a notch, why not try yoga? Not only does it pack numerous health benefits, it’s also a great way to recharge your mind and soul through meditation. Whether you like your yoga hot or not, this ancient practice helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility. That means not only will you look great, but you’ll feel incredible too.
- HIIT – high-intensity interval training
- Weight Lifting – pick up the heavy stuff and get in shape
- Yoga – feel the power of mind and body
2. Defining Beauty Through Movement
Beauty is often thought of in terms of static visual aesthetic. However, movement has the potential to bring an additional depth or emotion to beauty that still images cannot. This is particularly true in the art of dance, where through movement an artist can express creativity, passion, and power in ways that mere words cannot describe.
When it comes to expressing beauty through movement, the human body is the ultimate canvas. From the unique angles of a partnered tango to the graceful leaps of a balletic jump, there is an incredible array of techniques and movements to play with. A skilled dancer knows how to mix and match movements, creating a harmonious and seamless performance that awes and inspires viewers. The beauty of rates of movement, the virtuosity of skill, and the artful interpretation of music, all contribute to making a beautiful and unforgettable performance.
Furthermore, movements can convey a wide range of emotions, going far beyond what mere looks alone can reveal. A swan-like spin can be a metaphor for the abandonment of one’s fears and a precise leap can echo the fortitude of one’s character. A balletic hand movement can feel like a wave of sorrow, or a subtle bow can portray an air of gratefulness. These movements have the potential to speak to our inner selves on a deeply personal level.
Beauty is not just defined by the fascination of the eyes, but also the poetry of the body. Through movement, a heightened emotional experience can be crafted, holding us in a moment of awe and admiration. This is the real power of beauty manifested through movement.
3. Rethinking Exercise in the Pursuit of Beauty
Many of us have grown up believing that beauty comes with hard work and punishing exercise routines. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, old-school exercise patterns can be completely rethought in order to give us the best possible results.
For starters, the key may lie in understanding how different types of exercises affect the body. Depending on the goal you want to achieve, there are exercise routines tailored specifically to our needs – from gaining muscle-mass, to improving flexibility and agility!
Strength Training: This is probably the most common type of exercise for building muscle, and it is still widely recommended today. However, it should be noted that strength training doesn’t always produce the “ripped” look many of us strive for. Strength training should be combined with other forms of exercises to help maximize our results.
Interval Training: This type of exercise involves alternating between bursts of high intensity exercises and low intensity rest periods. For example, you could run for one minute, rest for 30 seconds and repeat this cycle for a certain amount of time – the goal is to create greater aerobic endurance.
Yoga: Many of us are aware of the physical benefits of exercise – however, don’t forget about its mental advantages too! Yoga not only helps to tone and stretch your body, it also relieves stress and increases mental clarity. There are many different poses tailored to different needs – and it helps to have a yoga-instructor guide you along.
- Choose certain exercises to target the results you’re looking for
- Combine strengths with interval training to maximize your results
- Don’t forget about yoga – it gives physical and mental benefits
Rethinking and re-structuring your exercise regime can have great benefits in your pursuit of beauty. Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations and techniques – everyone’s body responds differently to different types of exercise!
4. A Holistic Approach to Wellness & Beauty
A holistic approach to Wellness + Beauty consciously integrates mind, body, and spirit. Here are four ways to cultivate well-being:
- Nutrition and Movement – Eating nutrient dense foods, exercising on a regular basis, and engaging in mindfulness are simple, yet profoundly effective, ways to keep your body healthy and energized.
- Stress Management – Identifying your triggers and learning techniques such as deep breathing, practicing gratitude, and being mindful of your thoughts, can help you effectively manage stress.
- Self-care Routines – Whether it’s an early morning yoga class, getting your weekly manicure, or simply taking a deep breath with your eyes closed, mindfully taking time for yourself makes all the difference.
- Relationships – Nurturing positive relationships with yourself and others plays a huge role in health and happiness. Spending quality time with friends and family, and connecting with your community can significantly improve your mental and social well-being.
A holistic approach to wellness goes beyond simply treating the symptoms of a problem, it helps us to build a better life. Incorporating these four elements into your wellbeing can help you achieve balance and ultimate beauty. Finally, it’s important to remember that self-care is not selfish, it’s essential for maintaining both physical and mental health.
Taking the time, even just a few minutes a day, to focus on your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, is an investment in yourself that will pay off in the long run. So take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and infuse your day with a holistic approach to wellness and beauty.
Exercise not only makes us feel strong and energized, it also enriches our inner beauty. We can now move beyond being merely ‘fit’ and take our workouts to another level by exploring a variety of fitness styles. Whether dancing, running, or Pilates is your thing, each will help to boost your beauty, making you radiate from the inside out.
