Wellness with Rosalie

Amazing what our brains can do!

What do we do when we suffer from injuries or if we are very tired and can't exercise? Well, given my fractured toe this is a very relevant topic! In my case I've been doing more floor work to avoid putting pressure on the toe. But for everyone here's a hack: while rest is crucial for healing, we can use our BRAIN to create muscle strength while being sedentary. Yes! It's been proven that even without moving our muscles, "mental contractions" can create stronger muscle fibers and enhance cortisol output signal.

In a study back in 2003*, some test subjects trained their fingers to lift weights Their fingers got stronger by 53%. But those who only did so mentally also boosted their strength by 35%. Other subjects who mentally trained their elbow to lift weight saw a 13.5% improvement in power. Meanwhile those who neither lifted weights nor imagined doing so showed no difference.

So, while I might not be working out as much as I normally would, I've been mentally stretching, moving and training my body. Of course, it isn't comparable to actually doing it, but it is still invaluable. Therefore, if you are nursing an injury, or if you are too tired to get up and move, relax and simply watch a workout video and mentally do along. You can get stronger without even lifting a finger! 😄🤩

*Vinoth K Ranganathan, Vlodek Siemionow, Jing Z Liu, Vinod Sahgal, Guang H Yue

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny." - Upanishads

Morning stretch in a beautiful studio. I find that the more we move, the more our body craves movement. Don't forget to stretch your body today!

Tell all your local friends who need a stretch! April is hip stretch month. 😄

Looking to improve hip mobility or reduce lower body pain? April is Hip Stretch Month in Essentrics Stretch Class!

Essentrics is a full body dynamic stretching and strengthening class designed to tone long and lean muscles, improve posture and flexibility, and rebalance all 650 muscles. Essentrics combines the flowing movements of tai chi, the strengthening theories of ballet, and the healing principles of physiotherapy. This equipment-free workout leaves you feeling energized, youthful and healthy.

Classes are Thursdays from 8-9 am at the Dance Academy of Stuart's Palm City location. It's a $12 drop-in date, or $10 if booked at least 24-hours in advance. DM or text me at 561-386-4500 to reserve your spot!

Looking to improve hip mobility or reduce lower body pain? April is Hip Stretch Month in Essentrics Stretch Class!

Essentrics is a full body dynamic stretching and strengthening class designed to tone long and lean muscles, improve posture and flexibility, and rebalance all 650 muscles. Essentrics combines the flowing movements of tai chi, the strengthening theories of ballet, and the healing principles of physiotherapy. This equipment-free workout leaves you feeling energized, youthful and healthy.

Classes are Thursdays from 8-9 am at the Dance Academy of Stuart's Palm City location. It's a $12 drop-in date, or $10 if booked at least 24-hours in advance. DM or text me at 561-386-4500 to reserve your spot!

We should all exercise with a mind toward increasing flexibility. More flexibility means fewer injuries, less pain, better posture and balance, greater strength, and an overall better quality of life. Flexibility is youth!
If your local to Stuart, come work out with me! DM me or check out my website for more info.

Are you struggling to fit your workout into your day? This might help!

Are you struggling to fit your workout into your day? Here's what might help!

And then we stretched!...

Morning workout complete ✔

Wrapped up my first early morning Stretch Class in this gorgeous new studio. There's no better way to start a day than having worked and stretched all 650 muscles!