Cross Crawl Crunches Audio Balance the Brain While you Train
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If you're feeling a bit fragmented and need to comeback to your core, here's a great way to have an aerobic workout that builds abdominal strength and works to "hook up your hemispheres" for a better sense of mental clarity.
Like regular Cross Crawls, these Cross Crawl Crunches use a coordinated left-right side body movement, combined with powerful breathing, to give you a dynamic way to refocus your mind and get the brain and body back into balance. Adding these abdominal "Crunches" provides an extra powerful punch for your abs.
This audio workout comes complete with music and instructions and is great to add to your already existing routine, or enjoy all by itself.
We use the expression "monkey mind" to describe how our mind is easily distracted. The mind wants to be appeased with shiny, fun things. Left unchecked, it tends to run amok and can really cause some pain and suffering (think of addictions).
When the mind is out of balance, chances are that the body is out of balance as well. We come to yoga to find balance in both. In the practice of yoga, we face the monkey mind head-on, and engage the power of our ability to use the mind to create the life of our highest vision.
Tutorial Begin by lying on your back, and bring your arms up over your head resting on the ground.
Inhale deeply. On the exhale, engage your abdominals and lift your LEFT leg up to 90-degrees as you simultaneously lift your RIGHT arm straight up and out from the chest so that the hand is aligned with the left knee.
Inhale your arm and leg down. Exhale and repeat on the opposite side.
Continue moving rhythmically and powerfully from the navel center for 2-3 minutes, coordinating the breath with the movement.
To finish, inhale your arms up over your head, exhale, and bring your arms to your sides.Spend a moment breathing deeply and feeling the effects of this exercise.
Pointers BEGINNER: If the leg lifts are too intense, bend your knees and continue with the same basic movement.
ADVANCED: Keep your abdominal muscles engaged the entire workout - you will feel the difference.
Spirit Trainers, LLC. 1500 SW 11th Ave., #1007 Portland, OR 97201 503-715-3131 I understand that yoga involves stretching and other physical activity that may not be appropriate for all individuals. Before doing these exercises or participating in any exercise program, I will have consulted my physician. I realize that the statements made in on this website and the techniques given are not offered in substitution for medical advice or treatment.
