Training for Life

 

         One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to have a regular exercise program. This is just like taking care of your car. Change the oil regularly, do simple maintenance such as new tires, brakes, etc. and your vehicle will last a long time with very few problems. The same goes with your health. Do the simple maintenance and your health will be long-lasting with very few problems.

        However, most people wait until a problem occurs and then decide to start an exercise program. Or they gain weight and then decide to start a diet. Why wait until the problem occurs? Would you take care of your car the same way?... probably not.
 

        An exercise program should encompass several different areas: muscle toning, cardiovascular training, and loosening or stretching exercises. All are important for maintaining a balanced and healthy body. Just like your car, you have to change the oil and fluid levels and lube the chassis.

        Most people do one of these activities, but not all of them. To do all three would take more time than most people have during the week. In addition, it’s easy to get bored doing the same activity over and over again.
 

        The best thing to do is an exercise program that does it all and is exciting and fun. Swimming is considered the best exercise program because it does maintain all three areas. Kung Fu and Tai Chi are equal to swimming in exercise and health benefits because Kung Fu and Tai Chi exercises and maintains all three areas for a healthy body.
 

        The other great benefit of Kung Fu and Tai Chi is that you’re always learning something new. So as you workout and increase your flexibility and strength, you’re learning new techniques that challenge you both mentally and physically. In addition, you improve coordination, which helps your muscles work together for smoother movement and improved posture. You improve your breathing because Kung Fu and Tai Chi uses low abdominal breathing for improving the internal organs. You also learn self defense, which is important in protecting yourself or your loved ones.
 

        When starting a Kung Fu or Tai Chi program, it’s important to study at a regular pace. Many students start with enthusiasm that can quickly fade because of over training… just as it would be difficult to go from three meals a day to one meal a day. The most important thing is to have commitment and regular attendance.

       What always worked for me was choosing a few days a week that fit my schedule and then making the commitment to those days and times no matter what. Even today, I have a steady training schedule at the same time everyday. One day my training is in Tai Chi, while on the alternate day it’s Kung Fu.