Primary Functional Medicine
1-415-531-9775
FITNESS & MOVEMENT
Physical exercise is extremely important to lasting health. Exercise is also as individual as the person who is doing it. Every persons exercise plan is different. It is a discussion between you and your provider as far as what works best for you and how much each person should do.
Exercises I find very helpful are: Walks in the woods or in Nature - Studies have looked at the benefits of forest walking - on the calming effect when walking through trees on the nervous system (studies done in Japan) to breathing in the microflora and the effect on our own microbiome, to the action of cyclic deep diaphragmatic breathing engaging or parasympathetic nervous system.
TRX - straps system using our own body weight for resistance to help strengthen muscles thru out the body. I highly recommend getting a trainer for this for proper instruction so as not to injury yourself in doing exercises incorrectly. Yoga - comes in many shapes and forms. From Restorative to Power to Sweaty Bikram. All forms are good, it depends on which one fits your fancy. All include deep stretching, rhythmic breathing, and mindfulness. Orange Theory HIIT classes. Excellent all around body work out that can be dialed up or down to meet individual needs. Group - Join a class! It is a great way to meet people and create new community. You get to meet people at the class and not only enjoy the social aspect but you train and exercise together! The community can help you stay committed.
Anything goes with exercise as long as you do it, you enjoy it, and you don't hurt yourself!
WALKING
Studies have looked at the benefits of forest walking - on the calming effect when walking through trees on the nervous system (studies done in Japan) to breathing in the microflora and the effect on our own microbiome (Zach Bush), to the action of cyclic deep diaphragmatic breathing engaging or parasympathetic nervous system.
TRX
Straps system using our own body weight for resistance to help strengthen muscles thru out the body. I highly recommend getting a trainer for this for proper instruction so as not to injure yourself in doing exercises incorrectly. It is difficult to watch yourself while performing exercises, thus the beauty of a trainer to keep you honest and watch you.
YOGA
Yoga - comes in many shapes and forms. From Restorative to Power to Sweaty Bikram. All forms are good, it depends on which one fits your fancy. All include deep stretching, rhythmic breathing and mindfulness.
HIIT
Orange Theory HIIT classes. Excellent all around body work out that can be dialed up or down to meet individual needs.
So what’s all the health obsession all about? The one-hour work out is the brainchild of physiologist and Orangetheory co-founder Ellen Latham, who developed the “Ultimate Workout,” which has helped people push through their fitness plateaus.
Here’s what you need to know before signing up for a class: READ MORE
GAMES
Games are a form of exercise and are fun at the same time. Make exercise and body movement fun! As adults we often forget how to play. It can be tennis, ping pong, racket ball, soccer, basketball - you name it! It is whatever makes you smile and it works you out at the same time. What better way is there to get in shape! You can laugh, have fun, sweat, get your heart rate up and enjoy yourself all at the same time.
GROUP CLASSES
Join a class! It is a great way to meet people and create new community. You get to meet people at the class and not only enjoy the social aspect but you train and exercise together! Whether it is yoga, H.I.I.T or ping pong! The community can help you stay committed. It is fun, engaging and can help you stay “honest” and feel better on a number of different levels.