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Are The Martial Arts Still Under Development?
What is a martial art? A martial art can be defined as any skill that can be applied in warfare. The word martial means "military." So traditionally, a martial art is a military art. The first things that usually come to mind when discussing modern ...
The 7 Keys to Martial Arts Speed
Regardless of your martial arts style or method...you cannot apply it unless you can react quickly and respond instantly. Speed is critical for success in competition and self-defense. Razor-sharp reflexes are often the sole difference between winning and ...
The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do
The two most common martial arts practiced in North America are karate and tae kwon do. Many wonder what the difference between these two martial arts is. This is especially the case for those who are just starting to look around for a martial arts ...
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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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Morton Grove martial arts school wins fight to stay openMorton Grove ChampionBy Nick Katz nkatz@pioneerlocal.com May 25, 2012 12:28PM Master Duck-Keun Yoon works with 9-year-old Angelina Gambacorta, of Wilmette, during a tae kwon do class at North Shore Martial Arts in Morton Grove. | Brian O'Mahoney~For Sun-Times Media As ...and more » |
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JOE's Five great martial arts filmsJOEThe Raid has been garnering rave reviews for its fantastic martial arts sequences so JOE decided to look back at five films that boast some great ass-kicking action. By Dermot Keys Most things diminish with age. Icons start to look dated, ... |
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