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| Take a World View: Presenting Exercises from Around the World |
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| Written by Debbie Attias | |||
| Tuesday, 28 April 2009 11:58 | |||
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Although the modern health club movement began here in America, physical fitness has been around since the beginning of time. We thought it would be fun to share with you some fitness regimens from around the world.
China: Walking Backwards Tourists in China are always surprised when they see people in the park walking backwards. Walking backwards actually works on your postural muscles, (giving you better posture!) and on muscles in your legs that you don’t normally use. It also improves your balance. If you are worried about people thinking you are crazy, you can walk backwards on the treadmill. Just make sure not to hold on to get the full benefit. Start slow and be careful. Ancient rumors have it that walking backwards can reverse your karma, and ward of senile dementia. Once you get good, you can try running backwards!
India: Yoga Yoga is an ancient form of physical and mental discipline. Yoga is intended to unite your body with your mind. There are many different kinds of yoga that focus on different things. Some are more spiritual, with chanting and visualizing, while others are more physically challenging, achieving mental clarity by kicking your butt. No matter what kind of yoga you try, all of them increase your flexibility, tone your muscles, and help you to achieve peace of mind.
(Photo by: James Justin) Japan: Radio Taiso In Japan there is a series of warm up stretches that are broadcasted every morning on the radio. Students do them in school, companies have their workers do them, and seniors do them in the park. There are meant to unite people and raise energy levels, while encouraging good health. While we might not yet have quite such a unifying workout here in the US, you can establish a morning routine of stretches, with friends, family, or just yourself. Stretching in the morning is great for maintaining your flexibility and setting your mood for the day.
(Photo by Daniel Zanini H) Brazil: Capoeira Capoeira combines dance, acrobats, music, and martial arts. It is said to have been invented by African slaves who were practicing martial arts while pretending to dance. Besides being a great cardio workout, Capoeira works all of the muscles groups, toning them while increasing your flexibility. It improves your reflexes and agility, and teaches you balance, coordination, and rhythm. It is also a workout for the mind, improving concentration and perseverance.
Middle East: Belly Dancing Belly Dancing is not only fun, but it is sexy too! Belly Dancing makes you feel hot and increases your libido. It emphasizes isolating your muscles, and teaches you how to move them independently. Core muscles are worked out the best, tightening your abs. (If you dance with a veil, then arms and upper body get worked out too.) In Eastern philosophy, the pelvic area is the source of strength and a lot of energy in the body gets stored there. The pelvic movements in Belly Dancing are said to release this energy. It has also been said that belly dancing reduces menstrual cramps, and strengthening your pelvic muscles can make childbirth less painful. (Although I’ve never seen a pregnant Belly Dancer!)
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