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Advantages of Martial Arts for Kids
Martial arts are still considered a rather controversial subject, and the unfortunate misconception that they can promote violence is still present. However, just a little research will show any parent that martial arts promote the exact opposite of...
Choosing The Right Martial Art
Every day new martial arts are born and other disappear. They look so different yet so alike. When choosing a martial art for yourself or for your children it is sometimes very difficult to pick the right one. If you choose the wrong martial art for...
My Top 15 Non-Traditional, Muscle Building, Fat Scorching Workouts
If you have been bored by doing the same old weight training and
cardio routines, why not spice up your training by adding some
of these alternative training styles. They will not only make
things more interesting, but also be sure to spark some...
The Martial Arts and Self-Defense - Emotional Response and Reaction
The media has fuelled the perception that ordinary people on the
street are in constant danger from violent attack, and
self-defense classes promise to counter this fear.
To attract students, most martial arts schools in the U.S....
The Secrets Of Martial Arts Exposed
The secrets of Martial Arts exposed
This is a controversial topic. So in order not to offend anyone let me say this. Everything in the Martial Arts realm is good in its own context, but when people preach that Judo is a realistic form of self...
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Fitness In Five Minutes A Day?
What is the minimum amount of exercise needed for health and
fitness? While it depends on the person, lifestyle, and goals,
the general wisdom is that 20-60 minutes per day of cardio
pumping, iron lifting, or muscle stretching is necessary.
While no one could deny that these numbers produce optimal
results, it is possible to accomplish great things in a shorter
time.
The truth is that most badly out-of-shape people have lost a
crucial "body-mind" link, a connection that helps them to feel
the physical hunger for healthy movement. They hate sweating,
don't like walking, and often confuse thirst or emotional pain
for hunger.
For those of us who have to ease our way back into an exercise
routine, even five minutes a day can be a life saving door into
a healthier world.
Here are the rules:
1) In order to get the most out of this routine, it should be
spread out over the day. We're suggesting sixty seconds of work
at 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. This approach is called
"Greasing the Groove" and has an exceptionally powerful effect.
2) Concentrate on the abdominal muscles. They are the most
important group of voluntary muscles in the body, aiding
posture, digestion, and sexual function. Critical to athletic
performance, they transfer power from the lower to the upper
body. When it comes to appearance, the abdominals are called
"the window of health"--we are judged more often by our
belt-lines than any other single physical factor.
3) It is virtually impossible to tone the abdominals without
benefiting other muscle groups.
What
exercises are best? I would suggest a tri-pronged approach:
a "killer" exercise, a light exercise, and one that can be done
in public--while walking or driving.
1) A roller wheel. These are available in any sporting goods
store for about five dollars, and are the only ab exercise
devise worth your money. Beginners roll out from their knees,
more experienced exercisers from their toes.
2) Hip lifts. Lay on your back, brace your hands at your sides,
cross your feet, lifting feet and knees from the floor. Now
contract the abdominal muscles and lift the hips from the floor.
Relax and repeat the hip lift for sixty seconds.
3) Power breathing. Contract your abdominal muscles HARD as you
walk or drive. Combined with proper breathing techniques, this
can actually be the perfect ab exercise. There are many yoga,
Tai Chi and martial arts teachers who can teach you proper
breathing technique--if you haven't had training or studied
this, don't assume you already know how--seek out a teacher!
While the "Grease the Groove" technique is powerful (and can be
used to develop strength, flexibility, or coordination) it is
not intended to substitute for your longer cardiovascular
workouts. It is offered as an addition, or for those days when
you just can't exercise, or as a way for the non-exerciser to
begin. Consider it a doorway to a fitter, healthier world.
About the author:
NY Times bestselling author Steven Barnes CST (Circular Strength
Training) is a dual black belt, yogi, and the creator of the
Five Minute Miracle exercise system. Learn more at:
www.lifewrite.com
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