MARTIAL ARTS
I used to wonder why I got much more out of my kung fu classes than going to the gym. Other than the fact that classes were 3 hours long, we moved in ways that use the whole body and that we don’t always move throughout the day. We stimulate our brains, through learning new forms and movement patterns, and in thinking about how to challenge our sparring partners. We learn how to use our weapons, which improves motor control and coordination between our upper body and our footwork. Working out isn’t just about going to the gym, it’s getting your body moving, getting your heart rate up, and pushing yourself to new levels in ways that you enjoy and inspire you.
Weight shifting is a good way to warm up the body and activate your neuromuscular system. Start in a wide tandem stance (one foot in front of the other), and slowly shift your weight onto your front foot, then onto your back foot. To progress, pick up your front foot as you shift your weight onto your back foot, so that you are balancing on one leg. Surprise, you are also doing Crane kung fu!
