Your Gentle Start to Movement: A Radiance-Building Guide for Flexibility, Strength, and Vitality
@T F Thank you for asking for this information ... The most powerful way to begin any movement practice is with gentleness, curiosity, and self-compassion. The goal is not perfection; it's progress. It's about listening to your body and celebrating what it can do today. This guide is designed to be a safe and encouraging starting point. These movements can be done at home with minimal space and are designed to slowly build strength, improve mobility, and enhance your balance over time. Safety First: Your Most Important Guide Before you begin, please remember these three golden rules: - Listen to Your Body: This is your most important guide. Movement should feel nourishing, not painful. If you feel any sharp or uncomfortable pain, stop immediately. - Breathe: Never hold your breath. Focus on slow, steady breathing throughout each movement. Inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. - Consult Your Doctor: It's always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program to ensure it's right for you. Your Gentle Movement Menu I've broken this menu into two parts. Part 1 focuses on flexibility to create ease and openness. Part 2 focuses on foundational strength and balance. Start by choosing 2-3 exercises from the entire menu that feel good to you, and gradually add more as you feel stronger. Part 1: Gentle Stretches for Flexibility & Ease 1. Seated Cat-Cow - Why it helps: This is one of the best movements for waking up your spine. It gently improves flexibility, relieves back tension, and connects your breath to your movement. - How to do it: 1. Sit tall in your chair, feet flat on the floor, with your hands resting on your knees. 2. As you inhale, gently arch your back, draw your shoulders down and back, and lift your gaze. This is "Cow." 3. As you exhale, gently round your spine, drop your chin to your chest, and let your shoulders come forward. This is "Cat."