As a scrawny teen I tried most workouts and weight gain formulae on the market.
Even though this was the pre-steroid era in the 70's, I still gulped down various protein powders and foods in hopes of filling out my broomstick frame.
It was not until about 5 years later, while in the army, that I learned a couple of secrets for gaining muscle.
Both came from books regarding old concepts.
The one book, Yoga and Health described the importance of meditation and the Corpse or Sponge posture (savasana).
The other book, The Strength of Samson also mentioned prayer, self-hypnosis and muscle recovery.
Now meditation is a method of mentally withdrawing (pratyhara), concentration (dharana) and contemplation (dhyana).
We do it all of the time when we stare off into space or pause to find answers within ourselves.
Nothing relaxes me more than gazing down into a valley from a mountain side.
Or gazing across a lake (sometimes with a cold cider in hand).
Prayer and self-hypnosis are more active.
They help the mind focus on what it wants while still encompassing the realm of withdrawing, concentrating and contemplating.
You can even take this a step further for focusing on the actual exercises.
A few minutes of intense concentration, while exercising, beats out several minutes of mindless flailing of limbs.
Now what about the relaxation side of the fitness formula? How often is that ever mentioned? While stationed in the base in Kingston, Ontario, I started practicing the Sponge posture throughout the day.
I started doing this a few minutes during lunch, after work and then before bed time.
I also made a point to get to get more sleep by going to bed before 10 p.
m.
each night.
Even on some weekends.
The results? For the first time in years, I started to actually gain muscle.
Over the course of 2 years, I gained over 25 pounds of muscle.
Most of this progress was the eight months when I was forcing myself to rest more often.
Now, here is the real kicker: I reduced my weight lifting to two 45 minutes sessions per week and still increased my bench press.
The sessions were more intense, but I also allowed more time for recovery.
And, thanks to savasana, my relaxation was deeper and more effective.
Deep relaxation is not just a matter of lying on your back or slouching in front of a television.
You actually focus on relaxing your muscles.
Sometimes you might drift off to sleep.
But often you will just become very aware of your self.
Occasionally, you will feel your muscles twitch or a limb spasm on its own.
That is just tension leaving your body.
It is a sign of deeper relaxation and greater levels of recovery.
Deeper relaxation means better hormonal balance, better muscle recovery, stronger muscles and, yes, more fat-burning.
Better relaxation means less of a tendency to eat away one's problems.
The cost of all of these benefits? Just your own time and a quiet place to practice.