Getting Started

The greatest difference, is the difference between 0 and 1 -- and not 1 and any other number, no matter how large. That’s always been the simple truth in any undertaking -- “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” By that, one should not assume it to mean that walking would be the logical choice in contemplating the design of a 21st Century fitness regimen. There are far more precise and effective conditioning movements -- for which one doesn’t even need to get out of bed to do. In fact, it would be ideally done immediately upon waking, before getting out of bed and embarking on all other activities and functions. This simple exercise (movement) requiring about a minute, is 90% of what one hopes to accomplish with traditional (conventional) exercise programs of much greater duration, energy, and duress -- but still not doing so because they lack the essential focus of intent and purpose, because it is that intent and purpose that is manifested in the condition (form) of the body. That is, the body is in superb condition, because it realizes that is the condition it has to be to do what wants to achieve.

Immediately upon waking and lying on one’s back, draw the knees up to the chest, allowing the legs to bend, grasping hands around legs just below knees to hold that position easily. Maintaining this fetal position, lift the head up and forward, aiming to see one’s navel, while paying particular attention to the sound and movement of air out of the nose as air is compressed out of the body. When no more air can be forced out, lower the head back onto the resting position mindful of the sound and movement of air entering one’s nose as the chest expands. Hundreds of years ago, exercising adepts made this study of breathing into their key concept for attaining good health. All it requires is the awareness of the movement of air in and out of the body -- and what produces that effect, without having preconceived notions about how it should be done, other than the simplicity and obviousness of air movement into and out of the body.

The movement of the head, producing an alternating full contraction and full relaxation of the neck muscles, will increase the circulation and thus functioning of the brain -- totally overlooked in most conditioning programs. The foremost beneficiary of any strategy to optimize the functioning and form of the human body should go through the critical path of the brain, because the brain regulates everything else! This should be particularly important for those concerned with diminishing or compromised brain functioning, characterized as one’s “declining” years Those who have a problem stumbling around in a fog for much of the early part of their day, will realize clarity upon immediately getting out of bed. The yogis used to stand on their heads, attempting to effect the blood flow to their heads by gravity -- predating the discovery of gravity. This is a more convenient, less painful and effective way to do so -- utilizing a higher understanding of flow as caused by alternating pressure differences (hydraulics).

What most people will note, is that the extreme movement of the head forward produces a maximal contraction of the neck muscles first, and then ultimately, of the abdominal muscles to an extent not achieved with most conventional “abdominal” exercises. The movement of the head, is also the best abdominal exercise, and all most people want to know.