Increasing Strength

Today is our fourth in a series on “The 5 Sensations of Fitness” (FAMMS) included in our Nia practice, which are:

• Flexibility
• Agility
• Mobility
• Strength 
• Stability

To practice the Five Sensations, become aware of what each sensation feels like in your body, and determine which sensations you tend to overdo or under-do. Then apply the Five Sensations to heal and create the body you desire. We include each of these Five Sensations in a Nia workout to promote healing and overall fitness.

Today I’m focusing on #4, STRENGTH.

Strength is the core of the power you exert in your life. It is the force that protects: the Warrior and the Lioness. Physical strength allows you to consciously engage your body and mind to use specific muscles to achieve a desired result that requires force.

Strength is sensed as energy moving inward. It is the physical feeling of containing and sustaining power. Dynamic strength is the perfect action between contraction and release, relaxation and resistance, pushing and pulling against gravity in ways that allow you to sustain a movement or posture.

When you sense strength, you can maintain whole-body movement or hold a pose (like a sustained sumo stance) with great power. It is a “squeezing in” or packing of energy against your bones through the positive tension in your muscles. Strength is nourished by squeezing and releasing your muscles while contracting or extending the joints of the body. Think squats – one way to develop leg strength.

Loss of strength is sensed as quivering, shaking, pain or fatigue, with reduced ability to exert power, balance, grace, speed or coordination.

Beyond physical strength, we have of strength of character, strength of spirit, a strong moral code… Strength is a core source of the power you exude in your life to overcome conflict, hold tight to your desires, protect what you love, and stay the course even when the going gets tough!

Ask yourself, “How much strength do I currently sense in my body, mind, spirit and emotions – and how can I develop more strength in order to increase my personal power and resolve in response to daily challenges?”

Want to play with and develop more strength?

Join me for a class!

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