Daily Fit Tip: Boost your energy with Qigong
Continue reading Daily Fit Tip: Boost your energy with Qigong
Continue reading Daily Fit Tip: Boost your energy with Qigong
T'ai chi is generally classified as a form of traditional Chinese soft-style martial arts. Some consider it a form of moving meditation, as focusing the mind solely on the slow movements purportedly helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity.
For centuries, Chinese men and women have practiced the art of T'ai Chi, a combination of self-defense and flowing, low-impact rhythmic movements that enhance both the body and mind.
Balance training hasn't got much attention in the past, but fitness experts are starting to recognize that balance training is as essential as cardio and strength training for everyone. Improving your balance by keeping your core muscles and joints in shape will help you prevent falls and keep you functionally fit -- which means you'll be less likely to pull a back muscle while loading up those groceries.
Imagine leaving for work in the morning knowing all of your household chores would be done by the time you got home...by your robot. It's probably too much to wish for, but some scientists think it's possible to create robots that help humans in a variety of different ways. The problem, however, is that robots don't move smoothly like humans do. Roomba, a popular floor cleaning robot, works because it has no appendages and because it has only one job -- vacuuming the floor. If robots could be trained to move in a more efficient way, then they could be built to be more useful to humans.When I was in high school, I developed a painful rash that looked a lot like poison ivy -- but seemingly came from nowhere and hurt like crazy. After visiting the doctor I learned that I had shingles.
Though it normally affects people over 50, the disease is relatively common. Fortunately, researchers may have found a way to prevent the uncomfortable skin condition: the ancient martial art of Tai Chi.
In the study, volunteers aged 59-86 either took Tai Chi for 12 weeks, or were enrolled in health education classes without any mention of martial arts -- Tai Chi or otherwise. After six months, those who'd taken Tai Chi had almost doubled their immunity levels against shingles.
Inspired to try it? Here's a website that'll take you through the basics, or head down to your local martial arts studio to take a class with others -- chances are, even if they don't teach it, they'll know someone who does.
As Bethany noted earlier, the form of martial arts workout known as Tai Chi may have benefits for those suffering from diabetes. How about Tai Chi being important to your immune system?
Do you have type 2 diabetes? If so, you may want to look up your nearest community center or gym for a local Tai Chi Chuan class. When practicing the ancient martial art, participants move their body through a series of postures and movements in slow, graceful motion. Tai Chi -- which is self-paced and non-competitive -- is often recommended for stress reduction, flexibility, and for strengthening the entire body.
This week I'll talk about my exercise regimen, which has somehow become based on the letter T. Guess that's fitting, as I graduated from the University of Tennessee, home of that gaudy, big orange T (even trademarked). I've included a pic of one aspect of my workout routine-- my computer. Two of my T's include Tai Chi (as seen in the pic), and Tae Bo. I digitized an old Goldhil Qigong Tai Chi video, which is really a nice warm up. The kids were certainly entertained, at least. Although, when we really get into it, the Tae Bo video is great. It's the cardio version, and does a good job of strengthening my core (logically). The kids really like that one, as Billy Blanks does a great job of encouraging you throughout.
| # | Blogger | Posts | Cmts |
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| 1 | Martha Edwards | 126 | 2 |
| 2 | Jacki Donaldson | 92 | 0 |
| 3 | Maggie Vink | 76 | 9 |
| 4 | Bev Sklar | 45 | 0 |
| 5 | Kristen Seymour | 45 | 0 |
| 6 | Bethany Sanders | 42 | 4 |
| 7 | Fitz K. | 31 | 0 |
| 8 | Karla Carrington | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Laura Lewis | 4 | 0 |
| 10 | Jonny Bowden | 4 | 0 |
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