Article by Julia Merrill
​In our bustling world, maintaining our best selves often falls to the wayside. Yet, infusing your day with simple, enriching habits can profoundly transform your well-being, radiance, and vigor. Embracing small, consistent actions tailored to enhancing your physical and emotional health will not only help you look your best but feel extraordinary from the inside out.

​Cultivate Energy with Active Breaks
One foundational habit is taking short, active breaks to combat fatigue and enrich posture. Every hour, allow yourself a few minutes to stretch, walk, or engage in a quick set of exercises. This practice isn't just about keeping the blood flowing; it's about realigning your body and breaking the monotony that often creeps into our stationary lives. These energizing pauses serve as a reset button, reducing muscle strain and mental fatigue, which often tarnish our overall vibrancy.

Set Achievable Daily Goals
Begin each day with a clear, attainable objective. Whether it's completing a project, connecting with a friend, or simply reading a chapter of a book, small goals foster a profound sense of achievement. As you tick off these objectives, you'll not only build momentum but also boost your self-esteem. This method transforms overwhelming days into a series of victorious moments, helping you to remain buoyant and driven.

​Rediscover Joy through Social Connections
Integrating social activities and hobbies that spark joy is vital for emotional nourishment. Whether it's painting, dancing, or hiking with friends, make time for these fulfilling pursuits. They are not mere leisure activities; they are essential components of a balanced life, acting as catalysts for happiness and creativity. By prioritizing these pleasures, you reinforce your identity beyond the professional realm, enriching both your personal growth and daily satisfaction.

Change Your Career Path
When job dissatisfaction or high stress levels begin to overwhelm your daily life, pivoting to a new career might be the key to restoring your mental health. Leveraging online degree programs, you can pursue an education in a field you're passionate about, such as psychology, while managing your current job or family commitments. The importance of a psychology degree lies in its ability to expand your understanding of human behavior. It equips you to provide meaningful support to those in need, and fulfills a deeper sense of purpose that enhances your overall wellness.

Unplug to Recharge
Commit to at least 30 minutes of technology-free time each evening. This practice helps your mind unwind and prepares your body for rest. Whether you spend this time reading, meditating, or journaling, stepping away from screens is crucial for mental clarity and sleep quality. Disconnecting from constant notifications and blue light exposure ensures that your sleep is restorative, which is essential for maintaining your energy and mood.

Stay Hydrated for Optimal Health
Carrying a water bottle throughout your day is a simple yet effective strategy for staying hydrated. Proper hydration is critical for maintaining skin health, energy levels, and overall bodily functions. By making this a non-negotiable part of your day, you ensure that your body has the fuel it needs to perform at its peak, reflecting both inner health and outer beauty.

Use Calming Scents for Balance
Incorporate essential oils or other calming scents into your daily routine to help maintain a centered and balanced state. Lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood can be especially soothing and aid in reducing stress and enhancing mood. A few drops in a diffuser or a dab on your wrists can be a subtle yet powerful way to uplift your spirits and foster serenity throughout your hectic day.

Practice Daily Gratitude
By listing three things you are grateful for each night, you actively cultivate a sense of abundance and positivity. This habit redirects attention away from daily challenges and towards the richness of your life, enhancing emotional well-being. Engaging in this reflective practice strengthens your capacity for joy, visibly enhancing your aura and demeanor with a glow of genuine contentment.


Embracing these daily rituals is not just about adding tasks to your routine; it’s about creating a lifestyle that consistently reflects and enhances your best self. By integrating these strategies, you set the stage for lasting health, happiness, and fulfillment, ensuring that you look and feel your absolute best every single day. Remember, the journey to self-improvement is continuous, and through these small, dedicated steps, you can maintain a life of grace and vitality.


For help getting to pain-free movement, contact Pain Alleviated today!

A New Era in Chronic Pain Management
In the field of chronic pain management, integrating movement correction strategies with advanced pain relief technologies offers a promising pathway to enhancing patient outcomes. As we move forward, the incorporation of innovative tools and methodologies not only improves the quality of life for patients but also revolutionizes how we approach and manage chronic pain. This article explores the benefits of combining these technologies, shedding light on a holistic and multifaceted approach to pain management.

Real-Time Posture and Movement Monitoring
The advent of wearable technology has transformed numerous aspects of healthcare, particularly in the realm of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Wearable devices are now capable of monitoring movements and correcting posture in real-time. This technology helps in reducing strain on the body and preventing the onset of pain by alerting users to incorrect postures or detrimental movement patterns. For instance, smart garments and fitness trackers can vibrate gently to notify users when they slouch or adopt harmful postures, thereby fostering healthier habits and reducing the risk of pain.

AI-Driven Tools for Predictive Pain Management
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly vital role in predicting and managing chronic pain. AI-driven tools can analyze vast amounts of data on movement patterns to predict areas at risk of developing pain. This allows healthcare providers to implement targeted interventions before pain becomes a significant issue. By understanding and anticipating the specific needs of each patient, AI enables personalized treatment plans that are both proactive and preventive.

VR for Movement Training
Virtual reality (VR) systems offer a unique and effective means of conducting movement therapy in a controlled, pain-free environment. Through VR, patients can engage in simulated physical activities designed to improve mobility without the risk of injury or exacerbation of pain. This method is especially beneficial for patients who need to relearn movement after injuries or those with severe pain that limits physical capability. VR not only assists in physical training but also helps in psychological recovery, making it a comprehensive tool for rehabilitation.

Shockwave Therapy to Enhance Healing and Mobility
Shockwave therapy has emerged as a powerful technology for treating chronic pain, especially in soft tissues. Using a shockwave therapy machine, practitioners can deliver acoustic waves deep into tissue structures, promoting healing and reducing pain. This non-invasive therapy enhances mobility and complements movement correction exercises by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and increasing blood circulation to the affected areas. 

Biofeedback for Teaching Pain Control
Biofeedback is a technique that teaches patients to control physiological processes that are normally involuntary, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and pain perception. By using sensors that provide real-time feedback, patients learn to modify their bodily responses to pain through relaxation, paced breathing, and other coping mechanisms. This empowerment is crucial for chronic pain patients, helping them manage pain more effectively and reduce dependence on medications.

Therapeutic Ultrasound for Targeted Tissue Repair
Therapeutic ultrasound is a method of stimulating the repair of tissues and reducing inflammation using sound waves. This treatment is particularly effective at targeting specific areas of pain and facilitating the healing process. By enhancing tissue repair and decreasing inflammation, therapeutic ultrasound plays a significant role in improving the effectiveness of movement correction exercises and overall pain management.

Electrical Stimulation Therapies
Technologies like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) use electrical currents to manage pain and facilitate muscle function during movement exercises. These therapies help in maintaining muscle activity and preventing atrophy, which is crucial for patients with chronic pain. By integrating electrical stimulation into movement correction strategies, patients can experience less pain while enhancing their physical strength and mobility.
 
Combining advanced pain relief technologies with movement correction strategies offers a dynamic and effective approach to managing chronic pain. From shockwave therapy to enhance healing to sophisticated AI tools for predictive pain management, these integrative solutions not only alleviate pain but also empower patients to lead healthier and more active lives. By embracing these technologies, healthcare providers can deliver more targeted, efficient, and compassionate care, paving the way for a future where chronic pain is no longer a debilitating part of life.

Transform your movement and alleviate your pain with Pain Alleviated
Schedule your personal coaching session today!

This blog was written by guest author, Julia Merrill

Engaging in the care of a loved one with a chronic health condition is an act of profound compassion and dedication. This article from Pain Alleviated offers a comprehensive guide to innovative and effective strategies for providing care. By understanding and implementing these methods, caregivers like yourself can significantly enhance the quality of life and well-being of those enduring ongoing health challenges.

Extend Understanding and Compassion
Offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart lays the groundwork for effective support. Understanding and empathizing with their experiences and emotions, and providing a supportive presence, can be immensely comforting. Such empathy strengthens the emotional bond and offers solace during times of physical and mental hardship.

Gain Insight into Their Health Condition
Educating yourself about your loved one's health condition is essential for providing effective support because the knowledge enables more effective communication with healthcare professionals and informed care. This may be worth reviewing if you're considering deepening your understanding by pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in nursing. 

Engaging in an accredited online program can deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to assist, all while balancing your other responsibilities. This commitment to learning signifies a profound dedication to their well-being.

Provide Support during Medical Appointments
Accompanying your loved one to medical appointments is a concrete way of showing support. Providing transportation and companionship eases their logistical burden and offers emotional reassurance. Being present during these visits allows for a better understanding of their medical needs and treatments, fostering a more informed caregiving approach.

Foster Nutritional Well-being
Preparing meals that cater to the specific dietary needs of your loved one is a practical and nurturing form of support. Cooking nutritious, balanced meals that align with their medical requirements plays a significant role in managing their condition. This approach not only aids in their physical health but also provides a sense of normalcy and comfort through the enjoyment of carefully prepared meals.

​Navigate the Maze of Health Insurance
Assisting in navigating health insurance is a crucial aspect of caregiving. Help your loved one understand their options, emphasizing they can’t be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. 
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Research and choose the right health insurance policy together to alleviate any stress and confusion associated with this often complex process. You may also need to help your loved one complete paperwork and communicate with insurance providers. Your support in these areas can relieve a significant burden on your loved one and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Enhance Home Accessibility
Making adaptations to your loved one's living environment to suit their needs is vital. Even simple modifications to enhance accessibility and safety can significantly improve their daily life, promoting independence and comfort. From installing grab bars in the bathroom to rearranging furniture for easier mobility, these changes demonstrate a thoughtful and practical approach to their care.

Collaborate on Stress Reduction
Developing and practicing stress-reduction techniques together is crucial for mental and emotional health. Engaging in relaxation activities and emotional well-being exercises, especially during challenging times, helps manage the symptoms of their condition and strengthens your bond. This collaborative approach to stress management can significantly improve their overall quality of life.

Final Thoughts
Supporting a loved one with a chronic health condition through these unique and compassionate strategies can profoundly impact their life and well-being. Each approach, from emotional empathy to practical assistance, plays a vital role in enhancing their daily experience. 
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Providing holistic care strengthens the bond of understanding and support while laying a stable foundation as your loved one navigates their health journey. Remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be helpful; sometimes, you just need to be present to show your support. 

-Laura Carlson

The path to wholesome well-being often starts with small, impactful decisions. In this article, we present a list of easy-to-adopt strategies, spanning from your head down to your toes, which can rejuvenate your daily life. These are all geared toward supporting a harmonious existence, encompassing physical, emotional, and environmental wellness.

Optimal Hydration
Water is the elixir of life. A well-hydrated body promotes efficient bodily functions, radiant skin, and heightened energy levels. Aiming to drink a minimum of eight glasses daily is a smart rule of thumb. Remember, the benefits of choosing water over sugary or overly caffeinated drinks are immense. In the realm of healthy living, this is a foundational step everyone can take.

Navigating Alcohol Intake and Seeking Help
While the occasional glass of wine or beer might be pleasurable, moderation is key. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health concerns, both mentally and physically. If anyone feels trapped in the clutches of addiction, seeking assistance is crucial. The best inpatient drug rehab centers offer guidance, ensuring a brighter, sober future. When selecting an inpatient facility, it's important to take into account factors such as accommodations, accreditations, treatment approaches, location, and feedback from previous patients.

Wise Nutritional Additions
Even with a balanced diet, some nutritional gaps might persist. A daily multivitamin can be a strategic ally, fortifying your body with essential nutrients. However, as with all supplements, it's recommended to seek expert advice to understand what's best for individual needs, ensuring one's journey toward healthy living is well-informed.

Creating a Home Sanctuary
Your surroundings deeply influence your state of mind. Organized, clean spaces foster a sense of peace, reducing stress and enhancing productivity. With numerous online resources offering cleaning and organizing tips, it's easier than ever to create a serene sanctuary at home. A calm, tidy space truly aligns with the philosophy of healthy living.

Eating More Whole Grains
Refined grains often equate to empty calories with little nutritional benefit. In contrast, whole grains brim with essential nutrients that our bodies crave. They provide sustained energy and aid in digestive health. Choices such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal are not only flavorful but healthful. Indeed, incorporating them into our diet resonates deeply with a commitment to healthy living.

​Adding Healthy Spices and Herbs
A sprinkle of herbs and spices can transform a dish, adding a burst of flavor without the health concerns associated with excessive salt. With options like rosemary, thyme, cumin, and cilantro, culinary adventures await. Each time you reach for these natural flavor enhancers, you're making a choice in favor of healthy living.

Smart Movement Choices
Prolonged periods of sitting are associated with several health risks. Setting timely reminders to stand or stretch breaks this sedentary cycle. Even brief walks can have significant benefits. These moments of activity not only rejuvenate the body but also combat lethargy. Overall, such actions play a pivotal role in enhancing our general wellness.

The Power of Posture
Our spines bear the weight of daily life, literally. Ensuring you maintain a straight back, whether seated or standing, can prevent long-term ailments. Correct posture supports proper organ function, facilitates breathing, and radiates confidence. This seemingly simple act is a testament to the comprehensive nature of healthy living.

Embarking on a journey filled with these straightforward strategies can be the turning point in one's quest for total well-being. Each choice, whether related to diet, activity, seeking help for addiction, or environment, reflects a commitment to oneself. As the saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Start today, embrace these tactics, and watch as your life flourishes in the embrace of healthy living.

Experience relief from pain and discomfort with Pain Alleviated. Visit our website today to discover natural remedies, expert advice, and effective solutions.

Let's face it. Good posture is important. Not only does it make you look more confident, but it also helps you avoid pain and injuries in the long run. Unfortunately, poor posture has become all too common in recent years thanks to the rise of sedentary lifestyles and the increased use of technology. If you're looking to improve your posture, then you've come to the right place. Today, guest writer Laura Carlson shares ways that you can start standing a little taller today.


1. Exercise Regularly
Verywell Fit notes that there are specific exercises that you can do to help improve your posture. These include things like yoga, Pilates, and even basic stretching exercises. Just a few minutes each day can make a big difference in how you carry yourself throughout the day. This includes something as simple as getting out for a stroll around the neighborhood or a public park. If you’re fortunate enough to live or work in an area with a high Walk Score, you have the added convenience of ample space and places to walk, jog, or ride your bike.


2. Consider Replacing Your Mattress
According to The Natural Sleep Store, if your mattress is too soft, then it can actually contribute to poor posture. That's because when you sleep on a soft mattress, your spine doesn't have the support it needs to maintain its natural alignment. As a result, you may find yourself waking up with back pain or stiffness. A firmer mattress will provide the support your spine needs and help improve your posture in the long run.


3. Practice Yoga
Yoga is an excellent way to improve your posture since it involves both stretching and strengthening exercises. In addition, yoga helps to increase flexibility which can also help improve your posture. There are many different poses that can help with posture, so be sure to ask your instructor for guidance if you're new to yoga.


4. Avoid Tech Neck
One of the biggest culprits of poor posture is "tech neck." This is when you spend hours hunched over looking at a screen — whether it's your computer at work or your phone when you're scrolling through social media. To avoid “tech neck," be sure to take breaks often and practice proper ergonomics when using technology. 
For example, invest in a stand for your laptop so you don't have to hunch over when working from home. You’ll also want to look into ergonomically appropriate furniture. Then, you can more easily adjust where you hold the device to read, which allows you to avoid the strain that causes “tech neck.”


5. Consider Your Height
When people are shorter, they tend to not have as much of an issue with their posture as taller people do because they have to elongate their bodies and look up in order to see what’s going on around them. In addition, being taller can lead to back problems because of the extra weight that your spine has to support. As a result, taller people should be especially mindful of their posture and take steps to improve it. 


6. Visit a Chiropractor
For some people, back pain is caused by subluxations — when one or more of your vertebrae become misaligned. Chiropractors are trained professionals who specialize in correcting subluxations and restoring proper alignment. If you're dealing with back pain or poor posture, then visiting a chiropractor may be a good option for you. The good news is that many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, so look into your options, including what’s available through your provider through ACA and Medicaid. 


7. Keep Your Medical Records Organized
If you have chronic back pain or other issues that affect your posture, then chances are you've seen multiple doctors and specialists over the years. Keeping all of your medical records organized can be helpful if you ever need to see another doctor or specialist since they'll be able to easily access your history. This will also save you time and hassle down the road.


8. Get Regular Massages
Massages aren't just relaxing — they can also help improve your posture. Posture Stars explains that massages help release tension in muscles and connective tissue, which can lead to improved range of motion and less pain. As a result, getting regular massages can help keep your muscles loose and relaxed, making it easier for you to maintain good posture.


9. Wear Comfortable Sho
Wearing shoes that are comfortable and offer support can help reduce stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips — all of which can lead to improved posture. Comfortable shoes also help promote proper alignment which can further reduce stress on these joints. When choosing shoes, be sure to select ones that offer arch support and cushioning to prevent injury and promote comfort.


Pursue Your Best Posture
We often take our posture for granted, especially as we sit increasingly close and hunched over our computers and devices. Improving your posture may seem like a major task, but it's definitely achievable with some effort and dedication. By following the tips above, you'll be well on your way to standing tall and proud in no time!


Pain Alleviated can get you moving and feeling better in just a few weeks. Reach out today to get started!

The first question I get is often, “So, what do you guys do?”  The answer really is, perhaps contrary to our name, is that we do not focus on the pain!  We focus on the movement.  It is our firm belief that the pain is really coming from one’s movement habits, that is, the way we sit, stand, and (mostly) the way we walk.

Take, for example, shin pain while walking.  The common approach to help shin pain while walking would be less activity, less walking, maybe an ice pack, etc…  But the answer is really that shin pain while walking is caused by HOW one is walking.

The pain may stem from the ankles caving inward.  The pain may come from not rolling on the outside of the foot and the toes not “gripping” the ground.  The pain may be from one foot turning out.  The shin pain while walking may be the result of the feet not taking the body’s weight, ultimately from the steps being too large.

So when you come to Pain Alleviated, we will work directly on how you walk!  That is our whole approach.  Change the way you are walking into a gait that is more aligned, and the pain (most often) will take care of itself.

The thing is, nobody (almost ever) notices the way we walk.  99.99% (my estimate) of people take this daily motion for granted.  Until something goes wrong and there is pain.  Then it becomes the most important thing in life.  Yet even then, people don’t know how to fix it.  That’s where we come in!  We will work with you to develop a walk that is more aligned, more natural, the way the body was designed to move.

Take the example of shin pain while walking.  This pain may stop you from achieving your goal of 10,000 steps per day.  But before we go for quantity, let’s focus on quality.  By quality, I mean working on the walk itself.  Once you have developed the walk correctly, attaining 10,000 steps in one day will be much easier.  So will other activities like jogging, jumping, lifting, etc…

The shin pain while walking is letting you know something is wrong.  Work with us to find out what that is, but most importantly, how to change it!

Ed Ledgard's recent certification from The American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a personal trainer is a significant accomplishment that will help him establish a strong foundation for his career in fitness. The ACE-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) certification is widely recognized and respected within the fitness industry, and is considered a benchmark of excellence for personal trainers.

Personal training is a rewarding career that allows fitness professionals to work closely with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. As a personal trainer, Ed will be responsible for developing customized fitness plans for clients, helping them to improve their strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall health. He will also provide guidance and support to clients, helping them to stay motivated and on track as they work towards their fitness goals.

The ACE-CPT certification is designed to ensure that personal trainers have a solid understanding of the human body, exercise physiology, and nutrition. To earn this certification, Ed had to pass a rigorous exam that covers topics such as exercise programming, biomechanics, and client consultation. He also had to demonstrate practical knowledge of exercise techniques and program design, and show that he could work effectively with clients.

The ACE-CPT certification is a significant accomplishment that will help Ed establish his credibility as a personal trainer. It shows that he has the knowledge and skills necessary to develop effective fitness programs, and that he is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and research in the fitness industry. It also demonstrates his dedication to providing high-quality service to his clients.

For clients looking to hire a personal trainer, the ACE-CPT certification is an important consideration. It provides assurance that the trainer has the education and training necessary to develop safe and effective fitness programs. Clients can also be confident that their personal trainer is committed to ongoing education and professional development, and is well-versed in the latest research and trends in the fitness industry.
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In conclusion, Ed Ledgard's recent certification from The American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a personal trainer is a significant achievement that demonstrates his commitment to the fitness industry and his clients. The ACE-CPT certification is widely recognized and respected within the industry, and provides assurance that Ed has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality personal training services. As Ed begins his career as a personal trainer, this certification will serve as a strong foundation for his success.

Walking is what we do more than any other activity, be it athletically or professionally. Yet no one else will teach you how to walk correctly to alleviate pain. Everyone takes this action for granted, that is, until something goes wrong. Walking correctly keeps muscles healthy and accustomed to a certain level of work. It also improves muscle control, which can be very beneficial to your hips and your performance when walking or running. 

Proper posture can be learned by doing the right kind of exercise. You might respond, “everyone knows how to walk, just put one foot in front of the other!” But I would say no one walks correctly, with the exception of little kids—about two years old or just after. After that, kids are made to sit down for extended periods of time, and their movement patterns suffer. 
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The simple truth is, more than I can describe in words, if you want to see what it means to walk correctly, just watch little kids! Their knees remain bent with each step, they take small steps, their upper body shows good posture, they keep their weight on their feet, and their feet roll on the outside portion with each step. Yet once they start to sit for extended periods of time, their walk deteriorates. 

By the time they are an adult, bad habits are the norm. Strides get too large, thus “snapping” the knee back with every step. They may “jar” their knee to the side with one or both knees with every step. They may bend over at the hips, putting pressure on the lower back. Their arms swing like a “little” pendulum from the elbow instead of the way they should—from the shoulders. The head may tilt forwards too much, or even worse, to one side. These are general patterns of decline. Everyone walks a little bit differently. Different is good in many parts of life, but in walking, the body functions best when walking a specific way.
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For more information on walking correctly, visit www.painalleviated.com!

Your individual movement will guide the choice of exercises. This means individualized exercise is what is important. If you have a weak neck, playing golf for five hours will not help if you walk off the course and continue to hold your head down. But Head Lifts will help to strengthen the neck. If your walk is flat and out of alignment, working out for two hours on an exercise machine will not help if you continue to walk in the same old way. But Low Walks may help. If your back is slouched, playing squash or tennis will not help if you walk away in the same slouched position. But Standing Curls may help. 

The best exercise restores an individual to favorable movement patterns. Neck pain may lessen by doing head lifts or visual turns to loosen the neck so that it is used more freely. A back problem may improve when a weak knee is strengthened by Single Knee Bends (hard to believe). 

It is one’s movement, not necessarily one’s pain, that guides the selection of exercises. Note that there is really no single exercise or set of exercises that is “good for the low back” or “helps a bad knee.” Yes, walking, dumbbell sit-ups, and forward bends are favorable for the lower back. However, if the lower back problem is ultimately caused by a one-sided walk none of these exercises will really solve the problem. 

It is important to note that any exercise has its own reward. Anyone who exercises, from lifting heavy weights, to sitting in a chair and moving one’s knees, from jogging 10 miles to lying on one’s back and doing simple knee rolls, knows the great value of exercise.

It is easy to blame a sprained knee on a rock that was in the way, a sudden leap for a ball, an old injury, or a structural weakness. But a sprained knee may well be a weak knee. A strong knee–one that has not been weakened by walking poorly and other inappropriate movement patterns–can take ordinary twists and spills with minimum difficulty. 

Only through exercise can the knee be made strong. The basic reason for exercise is to develop a body that can perform when we want it to perform–one that is resilient to the occasional jolts of everyday life. This raises a point pertinent to other approaches to exercise.

What happens when something goes wrong?  Should I quit? Or go on, even if it hurts? In our view, there is a real response to the issue of pain. A solution. That solution is–look to the way we move. Herein lies the cause of pain. When we find the cause, we select the exercise to treat the cause. 

Finally, an exercise that heads straight for a weakness may be hard, but it will feel great afterwards. You will have no doubt of its effect. The idea behind this is actually simple. First, make an observation about your own movement that is not optimal or off (you can watch yourself walk in a mirror or have someone video your walk). You could also have another person observe your movement and find the same. It could be how you sit, or stand, or cut the grass. For example, let us say the shoulders are too high or too far forward.

Second, pick an exercise that will help correct this issue. For this example, pick an exercise that lowers the shoulders or relaxes the shoulders or brings the shoulders back to a better position. Third, use this exercise to help become aware of the position of the shoulders and apply it to normal every day movement.

Your own movement patterns will guide the selection of exercises to get you moving—and feeling—more in alignment.
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For more help in finding the right exercises for you, schedule a 1-1 coaching session at www.painalleviated.com

Many people seek exercise in some form: yoga, walking, working out in a gym, sports, a recommended fitness routine, and so on. Some people work out every day doing something they believe is beneficial. This is good in the sense that movement, in general, is good. The human body is designed to move. 

The best reason to exercise is to make life significantly better. In order to make our lives work, the body must be in excellent shape. Look at children. Notice how much energy they have. They are not limited by aches and pains or the fatigue of sitting for hours in a chair. They have lots of energy. They have the will to try new things, experiment, fall, get up again, and play. 

This is what exercise should allow us to do. It should give us the clarity of mind to make wiser decisions. It should give us the energy to solve hard problems. It should give us the vibrance to make life fun and enjoyable. These are the larger goals of this approach to exercise. This approach teaches one about relaxation, lightness, and well-being. It works. 

Thus, the purpose of exercise is not solely to build muscles. It is not at all to impress someone else. It is not to run a marathon, although that is a great achievement. It is not solely to lift an even heavier weight. Rather, the purpose is living, to your utmost capability. 

There will be several direct effects of a sound exercise program. The most obvious is one’s physical health. For my Dad, his exercise program has caused a dramatic physical shift. Joy? A point difficult to believe. That is, for those who have not practiced exercise of any kind. I suggest that this approach of exercise, of all of the different types of exercise, is the most likely to produce a sense of joy while doing the exercises themselves. 

You may find this point counter-intuitive. It is possible to enjoy exercising. There are professional skaters who truly enjoy skating. There are gymnasts who truly enjoy gymnastics (I was one of them). I suggest that it is possible for the average person to enjoy doing their exercises, whether or not they are based on the views of this approach. Sensing an exercise–doing it over and over again–builds familiarity. Doing more of that exercise over time builds strength that is noticeable. It produces an awareness of the body, of things that happen in the mind as well as to the body. These effects become observable and enjoyable. 

Finally, the right exercise will always make one feel good. Just as a jogger knows the sense of relaxation that comes after a good jog, so too can ordinary exercise bring the same satisfaction. When you finish your exercises, your mind has been with what you were doing. Perhaps you achieved one or two new little physical things, and the sense of well-being is clear. This sense of well-being is accessible to all.
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For more help selecting exercises to help you feel your best, head over to www.painalleviated.com