Tag: Martial arts

  • Tai Chi – A Different Form of Exercise

    Tai Chi – Improving Your Health

    Tai Chi
    Andrei Panfiloiu

    Connecting mind and body while meditating is what Tai chi is all about. Additionally it is a form of martial arts.

    Tai chi practitioners move very slowly, breathing in a specific way involving 13 exercises that mimic movements animals make.

    These exercises improve physical endurance, mental clarity and overall health.

    Using the ideas of opposing forces like yin and yang, as well as “qi” which means your vital life force. Bringing both of these into your exercises will help improve your overall health because it will connect all the forces in your body with your life force. By mindfully moving your body in these ways, you can improve your health and vitality including increasing your immunity.

    Tai-chi can help people in all levels of health improve their health. It is low impact, weight bearing and aerobic, all at once. It improves muscle strength, coordination and flexibility. Tai chi also improves balance which can help reduce falling risks. Additionally, you can improve problems of pain and stiffness associated from arthritis.

    The breathing improvement you’ll experience can also help improve sleep quality. This routine improvese health and wellness to people of all ages and at all fitness levels, since the movements can be modified for the individual’s needs.

    To get the maximum benefits from tai chi, follow these principles.

    • Exercise on an Empty Stomach – It’s better to be fully hydrated and exercise before meals rather than after meals. This is the only way you’ll be able to do the movements comfortably.
    • Start Slowly – Don’t start at the end, rather start with the beginning. It will take time to learn all the movements, let yourself have the time needed.
    • Avoid Exercising When Very Tired – Tai chi is very relaxing, therefore it’s important not to work out when you are exhausted.
    • Seek Licensed, Certified and Trained Instructors – You can use videos, but it is important to find an expert to ensure you’re doing it correctly at first to avoid injury.
    • Focus as Much on Breathing as Movement – Both are equally important. When you are learning, concentrate in doing it correctly for the best results.
    • Don’t Overdo It – Never do more than you can and don’t push yourself to do more. It’s okay with tai chi to do less than you think you can.

    You can start exercising at any time. You don’t need to be in tip-top shape to do it, and you don’t need to be very young. In fact, tai chi is especially helpful for elderly people.

    It helps people to gain strength, get more sleep, and increase their overall health.

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  • Capoeira – Fitness the Brazilian Way

    Capoeira is Partially a Dance, Acrobatics and Martial Arts Fitness Routine.

     Capoeira
    Charlein Gracia

    As you begin looking at different fitness workouts to match your lifestyle, you will likely see some you may have never heard of. One of those is capoeira.

    Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Originated in Brazil around the 16th century by slaves as a disguised dance. It actually served as a means of expression where quick and complex maneuvers were executed by “Capoeristas” using power, leverage and speed to perform stylized movements such as kicks and spins.

    Modern capoeira has evolved as a form of hybrid martial arts – fitness routine that now is very popular around the world.

    Length of  Workouts.

    One of the things to consider about this workout is the length of the average workouts. Most last less than an hour. This makes them ideal if you need a solid workout that can be done during lunch break, or after work.

    The duration of each session may change slightly depending on the level of the workout. Beginning classes may take longer while you learn the different moves and steps.

    Difficulty Levels.

    Usually there are three levels of difficulty. Therefore, before signing up, you should be aware of these three options so you start in the proper order.

    The first is the Au Normal. This is your beginners level, also good for people who have taken intro courses but have not started a capoeira routine.

    The second level is The Martello. This option focuses more on the martial arts roots of the fitness routine that is a bit more intense.

    The third level of capoeira is the Roda. This level is included in most capoeira fitness workouts. Usually done in pairs with two people in the class facing off.

    and finally the Cooldown routine, usually a 10-minute session designed to give the body a chance to rest and recover.

    Capoeira Home Routines.

    Something to keep in mind is that you can do workouts at home. This can be useful if you have limited free time. Also, you can find various capoeira workouts in DVD format and choose one or several that work for you. This will give you the same options you will have in class. And it is a lot less expensive.

    Finally, these are just some of the basics about capoeira. Once you begin to practice it, you can see what works best for your goals.

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