1. People realizethat theyshould start exercising (this may emanate from a displeasing sight in the mirror, a command from a physician, or the warnings of the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle from the media).
2. They consider joining a fitness center (which assures them that with the commitment they currently display, getting in shape will surely come in short order — as long as they join RIGHT NOW). (more…)
Humans are creatures of habit. People often move through their lives on autopilot, plodding through the same activities day in and day out. Once in a comfort zone, it can be difficult to change. Typically, this behavior transfers to exercise programs. People tend to get comfortable on one type of machine or in a specific class and repeatedly perform the same routine, on the same days, at the same level of intensity, for the same amount of time, over and over again. Eventually, this can result in exercise plateaus, boredom and even injury. (more…)
Dear Expert:
My daughter is taking a kickboxing class in which classmates kick each other’s shins. She is badly bruised, but says that they do it in order to destroy the nerves there.
Answer:
There is absolutely no benefit to her bruising her shins for the purpose of kickboxing.
Kickboxing classes that I am familiar with all use proper protective gear in the areas of high contact. The purpose of the class is to enhance fitness, provide discipline, build self-esteem and teach self-defense. It is in no way intended to promote injuries.
Illness and Yoga. Illness and yoga both require us to step outside our comfortable daily habits. They both try us with fear, resistance, pain and fatigue. And both can be reservoirs of wisdom. Just as asana practice needn’t be exclusively painful and tiring, illness needn’t be an unalloyed tragedy. (more…)
A 45-year old yoga student develops a pain on the right side of his neck. Over the next two weeks it radiates agonizingly down his right arm, until his arm and hand are numb except for the pain. Holding a coin in his right hand, he is unable to identify its denomination. A month later, noticing atrophying muscles in his hand and forearm, he decides it’s time to seek medical advice. (more…)
You should develop a routine that includes about six to eight stretches for your upper body, torso, and lower body. Also, you should warm up for at least five minutes with a light activity, such as walking. Remember, a warm muscle is easier to stretch than a cold muscle. (more…)
So how do you increase flexibility? Stretching is one of the best ways to improve flexibility. Many PGA Tour players stretch on an almost daily basis. These exercises promote elasticity to various muscle groups with almost immediate results. Most golfers will often notice increased flexibility after only one or two sessions. (more…)
There is no doubt that strength and cardiovascular training are beneficial in many ways to the average duffer. They play a major role in helping the average Joe to lose weight, build muscle and get fit.
However, there is another element that is often overlooked since it’s far less glamorous and its benefits aren’t as easily seen – flexibility. For golfers, flexibility is the key to success. After all, we all agree that staying limber can offset age-related stiffness, improve athletic performance and optimize functional movement in daily life. (more…)