'Working out' and 'Working in'

When anyone says the term “working out”, people often know exactly what they mean - going to the gym or having a run, bike, or swim. Working out is essential for promoting health and preventing disease. More studies have been written linking the positive effects of exercise on physical and mental disease than I would be able to count. Working out is something that is culturally normative and socially encouraged. Far too often people don’t know the term “working in”.

“Working in” doesn’t have an easy Google result because it is the thought child of another chiropractor. It’s a focus on the mind, the breath, and the body. We often don’t think about breathing until we do an activity such as yoga but training your breath can play a significant role in controlling temperament and clarity of thought. Breathing works directly with your sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, otherwise referred to as your “fight or flight” and “rest and digest”. Focussing on a controlled breath out can lower your stress response, reduce blood pressure, and ‘cool off’ the fight or flight response.

Another piece of “working in” is increasing your proprioception. Proprioception is understanding where your body is moving in space. It can be used to close your eyes and feel where your ankle position is while you sit or or how open your fist is. Proprioception is an important tool that has to be learned and practiced. When people are very aware of their body, they prevent more injury and can find and take care of an ‘abnormal sensation’ faster than their counterparts.

Breathe well, stay well,

Dr. Cole Maranger, DC