It's All About Balance! - Suzanne Leitner-Wise

We all know that a sedentary lifestyle is simply not a good choice, but too much of a good thing is also not so good.
Throwing yourself into too much exercise, in whatever form, can take its toll on your body, as much as no exercise at all, albeit differently.
I am certainly 'all in' for keeping the body (and mind) as healthy as possible, but ultimately, it's all about balance.
Many students over the years have come to the studio because they have been advised to stop running. A conversation ensues... 'How can something so healthy be bad for you?'. Too much of a good thing! Constant flexion of the joints is not a good thing.
Many students have come to the studio to find flexibility only to find that their overworked muscles prevent mobility. Too much of a good thing. Constant flexion of the muscles is not a good thing.
Many students have come to the studio with hyper-mobility problems. Too much of a good thing. Constant stretching of the muscles is not a good thing.
Constant body building, swimming, rock-climbing - you name it - and yes, even repetition of same style yoga classes, is not a good thing.
We need to find the middle ground. We need to understand that our bodies strive balance; the harmony of lean and flexible muscles, support and stability, space and freedom. Our bodies have to tell us to stop the consistent pounding, flexing, stretching etc. through injury and illness. Which is exactly the same with inactivity.
So where is the middle ground? For this I will use the example of Yoga.
If you take a weekly flow class, you should take a weekly relaxation and/or meditation class. If you take a weekly relaxation and/or meditation class, you should take a weekly movement class. If you don't take a weekly class, well you know you should. And yes, you have the time. Balance, balance, balance. Take time to exercise, and take time to relax. We have to understand, right now, not tomorrow, that we need to bring balance into our lives, because we don't want to spend time nursing injuries or illness, and because, perhaps, we only have the one life to make as happy and healthy as possible.