FINALLY, somebody other than me is saying it!!! And he got his published:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-frank-lipman/changing-our-disease-care_b_453743.html
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
In-Style or Fad Workouts
I just saw two "infomercials" on two different "new" work-outs- Insanity and 10-Minute Work Out Both seemed to be intense, invovle multiple intergrated exercise and motions and didn't require much more than either bands or light dumbells. Other programs that I have become aware of are P90X and Cross-Fit. ALL of these seem to be valid (Not having fully seen the 10-Minute Work-Out I can't totally say that but 10 minutes doesn't seem sufficient to provide adequate anything!) in that they are good programs. They all use principles that athletes and regular fitness people have known for years; High intensity work outs get faster results than just doing the basic "aerobic and strength training as separate programs". A good example of this is in looking at track & field sprinters. They probably don't do much aerobic work and concentrate on ultra high intensity wind sprints (40 yards or so) or a bit longer (800 meters). Yet they don't have much body fat. In fact, it has been found/proven that a high intensity work out can result in an elevated heart rate for as much as 48 hours after. This means a greater residual caloric burn than aerobic work outs. Also a higher metabolism results.
Why, then, am I not a "fan" of these work outs? I don't say DON'T do them but I have my preference in Kung Fu! It contains ALL of the principles that are contained in those aforementioned programs; High intensity, integrated exercise, plyometrics, coordination development, etc. But Kung Fu has a few things that they don't have. Being a program that actually develops the skills required to do it, you develop a stronger foundation of skill that allows you to perform the program in a safer manner. Many people start these other programs and just go right into the exercise, many of which they may not be physically ready for and therefore run a greater risk of injury.
The main things, for me, that sets Kung Fu apart are the development of focus mind/body connection and self defense skills. When you train with Kung Fu you MUST perform with proper technique to gain maximum power to get the technique to work! This requires focus. Yes, you SHOULD do the exercise propeerly in the other programs but you aren't being forced into it by knowing that someone may be attacking you! Plus, a good Kung Fu program is something that develops through out your life. I have been practicing for a LONG time and am still mentally engaged and learning and practicing new techniques. With all of the others, you will fininsh all they have to offer in a few months!
I can go on about this for quite a while but ponder just THAT point. I will call it the Kung Fu Challenge. I wish all of you were in Atlanta so that you could give my class a try. You would see that Kung Fu can take accomplished athletes and make them feel as if they haven't done much exercise!
Why, then, am I not a "fan" of these work outs? I don't say DON'T do them but I have my preference in Kung Fu! It contains ALL of the principles that are contained in those aforementioned programs; High intensity, integrated exercise, plyometrics, coordination development, etc. But Kung Fu has a few things that they don't have. Being a program that actually develops the skills required to do it, you develop a stronger foundation of skill that allows you to perform the program in a safer manner. Many people start these other programs and just go right into the exercise, many of which they may not be physically ready for and therefore run a greater risk of injury.
The main things, for me, that sets Kung Fu apart are the development of focus mind/body connection and self defense skills. When you train with Kung Fu you MUST perform with proper technique to gain maximum power to get the technique to work! This requires focus. Yes, you SHOULD do the exercise propeerly in the other programs but you aren't being forced into it by knowing that someone may be attacking you! Plus, a good Kung Fu program is something that develops through out your life. I have been practicing for a LONG time and am still mentally engaged and learning and practicing new techniques. With all of the others, you will fininsh all they have to offer in a few months!
I can go on about this for quite a while but ponder just THAT point. I will call it the Kung Fu Challenge. I wish all of you were in Atlanta so that you could give my class a try. You would see that Kung Fu can take accomplished athletes and make them feel as if they haven't done much exercise!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Exercise & Life
In the past few days I have had a few students tell me that they were going to "take leave" from classes (exercise) so that they can "straighten things out in their lives". They feel that they need the time to get their mind focused and make sure that they have their priorities straight. It might be time, money or just energy and that they will return when they have gotten it together.
My take on this is that they have it wrong. While I tell them that they should do as they feel I also don't feel they have it right. I don't tell them this directly (as my general philosophy says that I should) because I feel that this kind of "life question" is one of personal choice and not one that should be externally influenced- I can't motivate somebody only that person can motivate their selves. This is very similar to the Buddhist faith where you don't 'recruit' people into it.
For me EXERCISE (particularly Kung Fu and Tai Chi) HAS BEEN THE WAY to straighten things out. It focuses my mind like nothing else. It takes my mind off of the problems that I am facing and forces me to put my mind into the form or, even more challenging, opponent trying to hit me! It relaxes my body even though many people say that exercise hurts and gets you tires. Remember that exercise releases endorphines- A natural high! And it may cost some money to pay for class but if I weren't going to class I would probably pay for other things to occupy my time- movies, books, food...
What I DO know is that ALL of my major life's crises were endured by continuing to practice my Kung Fu throughout. After all of them I am still healthy adn mentally (I know others would question this) stable.
Don't stop exercising when you have life problems. Whether you do Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Karate, boxing, running, aerobics or just weight lifting you should maintain your routine. Keep your mind and body strong and focused. It WILL help you through your situation.
My take on this is that they have it wrong. While I tell them that they should do as they feel I also don't feel they have it right. I don't tell them this directly (as my general philosophy says that I should) because I feel that this kind of "life question" is one of personal choice and not one that should be externally influenced- I can't motivate somebody only that person can motivate their selves. This is very similar to the Buddhist faith where you don't 'recruit' people into it.
For me EXERCISE (particularly Kung Fu and Tai Chi) HAS BEEN THE WAY to straighten things out. It focuses my mind like nothing else. It takes my mind off of the problems that I am facing and forces me to put my mind into the form or, even more challenging, opponent trying to hit me! It relaxes my body even though many people say that exercise hurts and gets you tires. Remember that exercise releases endorphines- A natural high! And it may cost some money to pay for class but if I weren't going to class I would probably pay for other things to occupy my time- movies, books, food...
What I DO know is that ALL of my major life's crises were endured by continuing to practice my Kung Fu throughout. After all of them I am still healthy adn mentally (I know others would question this) stable.
Don't stop exercising when you have life problems. Whether you do Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Karate, boxing, running, aerobics or just weight lifting you should maintain your routine. Keep your mind and body strong and focused. It WILL help you through your situation.
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