Archive for Exercise & Fitness
Learn Tai Chi Movements for Better Health and Well-being
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Tai chi chuan or Tai Chi as it is called in the West is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for better and emotional well-being. The literal translation is “Supreme Ultimate Fist” and is considered a soft style martial art — an art applied with internal power — to distinguish its theory and application from that of the hard martial art styles.
Tai Chi utilizes slow, consistent and flowing movements to stretch and strengthen various muscles of the body. Medical studies support its effectiveness as an alternative exercise and a form of martial arts therapy to promote an overall sense of well-being.
The practice of tai chi chuan primarily involves three aspects:
- Health: Tai Chi concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind
- Meditation: The meditative aspect of Tai Chi is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum emotional well-being
- Martial art: The ability to use Tai Chi as a form of self-defense in combat is the test of a student’s understanding of the art
Walking Meditation – How to Double Your Health Benefits
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When we think of meditation, we usually picture ourselves in a sitting position with our eyes closed. On the other hand, walking is something we do outdoors and with our eyes wide open. How about combining the two? It is called walking meditation which has its origins in Buddhism.
Traditional meditation often has the person shutting their eyes to concentrate on their mental clarity. With walking meditation, you have to see where you’re going, so you’re absorbing your outside environment and processing it with mental clarity.
You already know the health benefits of walking. It helps you burn calories, provides cardiovascular benefits and improves blood flow to various parts of your body. Read More→
Studies have shown that nothing works better than a regular exercise program to slow down the aging process. The operative word here is “regular” – unless your exercise program is consistent, you won’t derive the maximum anti-aging benefits.
The regular aging process diminishes the hormonal levels and our skin, muscles and bones begin to deteriorate. A good anti-aging exercise program helps to stimulate hormone production and promote strength and flexibility.
Not all exercises are appropriate as we age. There are certain types of exercises that will help you stay active, live a longer and happier life and stay mentally alert without causing aches and pains. How often and how strenuous you make your exercise program depends on your personal needs, both physical and your daily lifestyle.
Best types of exercises to maximize anti-aging benefits
A good anti-aging program should include these three types of exercises:
- Cardiovascular – Designed to keep your heart healthy, aerobic exercises also help fight depression and keep your weight down. Running, brisk walking and any other exercise that will increase your heart rate for a sustained period of time triggers your brain to release chemicals that produce hormones.
- Flexibility – This by far the most important type of exercises to beat the aging process. It increases blood circulation and releases serotonin, which is a chemical produced by the brain and is necessary for overall health and well-being. Flexibility exercises are also safe and easy to perform.
- Strength Building – These exercises will help build sturdiness and sustain bone mass. Your chances of having a debilitating injury are lessened as you build your muscle strength. Exercises to improve the muscles in your shoulders, back and legs will also help with hormone production.
Research has shown that there’s no particular time of the day when exercising is best, however accidents seem to happen more often in early morning hours when muscles and joints seem to be less flexible..
It is best to exercise when you aren’t too tired, but when you’ve been up and about for a while. Mid afternoon seems to be a good time for most people to perform physical exercises with minimal risk of injury.
You don’t need a home gym or an expensive membership in a health club. Walking, cycling or jogging don’t require buying expensive equipment. If you must buy something than buy any one piece of exercise equipment that you feel comfortable using and are sure to use regularly. That is the best anti-aging investment you can make in yourself.
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