Somatic Mechanic

Dog Walking Increases Exercise Adherence and Enjoyment

The NYTimes has an article today about a study that compared the consistency of older adults who walked with dogs or with other humans.  Cute article.  The researchers found the dog walkers enjoyed their walk more, made less excuses, and increased their balance and walking speed.  Why would this be?  The walking distance was the same, the weather was the same... the difference lies in the motivation and the enjoyment had in walking a doggie companion.  This brings up all kinds of issues interesting to exercise psychology and health:  

-why would someone feel more responsibility to a dog's health than to their own?

-why are dogs more enjoyable companions than humans?

-should a national health care policy allow people to deduct the care of their dogs because they contribute to the owner's health?

I wonder if Pilates clients would also be more consistent if we had trained dogs to work out with.  Like circus dogs or agility dogs or something like that.  That brings up some great ideas for choreography!

It appears that dog walking is always taken seriously, certainly by the dog, if not by the human.  But it's not something you can excuse yourself by saying, "Ooo it's too hot today/too cold today/I'm tired/I'm too busy".  It's serious business.  I've often wondered about the dog shows occasionally broadcast on television, where dog trainers trot with their dogs around the ring while the judges watch. The trainers wear sensible shoes and very serious skirts or suits.  See?  Dog walking is movement married to serious business!

  

 So, another reason to love a dog.

Becoming Your Own Massage Therapist - NYTimes.com

AS a former cross-country runner for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where a free massage was part of an athlete’s weekly schedule, Briana Boehmer remembers the benefits of having qualified hands work her sore muscles.

via www.nytimes.com

 

NYTimes has an article today about self-massage... it's funny but the article is written as though this is a brand-new idea.  

The foam rollers and balls are great tools for self-massage, and it's a sneaky way to exercise too. It takes a bit of effort to be down on the floor and manipulating your body over a ball or roller. I'm reminded of this every time I teach a group class of older adults and pass out the self-massage tools.  It's not easy for inflexible or weak folks to be rolling around on a ball or foam-roller on the floor.  Here's a few tips for making it as easy of possible:
-don't wear a hoodie. The ball will get caught in the hood
-if your hair is long, put it up in a ponytail
-wear a fitted t-shirt, or if you're feeling brave, a unitard or leotard and tights. The ball often rolls up inside a loose t-shirt
-if you find any "speed bumps" inside your muscles (prevalent in the outer edge of the thighs) go s-l-o-w and don't hold your breath.

Also, keep your inner eye on your self-talk.  Remember that whatever you are thinking, your body will work extra hard to make THE TRUTH.  So if you are thinking "Aaaiggh!!!  This is awful" then your muscles will tense up and resist the force of the ball.  That's like tensing up when the massage therapist rubs your leg!  The most supportive thoughts will be something like "my muscles are malleable and allow the ball to stretch them and iron out any trigger points".  

There are a lot of different products you can get:

 -- Eric Franklin's awesomely wonderful Franklin Balls for about $25/pair.  The texture prevents the ball from sliding away from you if you work on a smooth floor like tile, marley, or wood.  The Franklin balls also come in a smooth surface for about $30/pair.  They are fantastic for footwork as well.  He has a couple of books that describe how to use the balls:  Conditioning for Dance and Ball and Imagery Exercises. 

--the foam rollers in various lengths, diameters and cut in half or a full round.  They tend to get dirty in a busy studio, because just when you're not looking, someone will stand on it.  In their shoes.  So, now they also have removable covers that you can take off and wash.  Coolio!

-- a Yamuna Body Rolling ball with an instructional DVD for around $60 or a simpler massage ball for about $15.  

Hope you have a good time rolling around on the floor!