It's not just for fighting: new research published in the British
Journal of Sports Medicine shows that people in their 40's and 50's who
regularly practice martial arts demonstrate astounding levels of
physical fitness in comparison to people the same age who don't exercise
at all. The study subjects who practiced martial arts had 12% less body
fat, were able to do twice as many sit-ups, had enhanced flexibility and
leg strength, demonstrated a stronger immune system and showed greatly
improved balance.
It's not surprising, of course: martial arts --
even mild forms like Tai Chi -- have long been known to confer
tremendous anti-aging health benefits to their followers. Throughout
Asia, it's not uncommon to see large groups of elderly (people in their
60's, 70's and 80's) practicing Tai Chi at sunrise in the community
parks. Despire their age, these people have better aerobic conditioning,
balance, strength, flexibility and coordination than many typical
Americans in their 30's who are already suffering from chronic diseases
like diabetes, obesity and cancer. People who practice Tai Chi simply
don't experience those diseases with anywhere near the frequency. As a
result, they live longer, healthier, happier lives.
Any form of
martial arts or physical discipline will produce similar results, by the
way: Tai Chi and Pilates are two of my favorites, but you could also
take up dancing or gymnastics, too. More aggressive forms of martial
arts such as kickboxing and Tai Kwon Do are also excellent for
conditioning, although they are typically more focused on combat than is
really necessary. (To be healthy, you don't have to train for combat.
You just have to move your body.)
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate and award-winning journalist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, and he has authored and published several downloadable personal preparedness courses including a downloadable course focused on safety and self defense. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2010, Adams co-founded NaturalNews.com, a natural health video sharing site that has now grown in popularity. He's also a successful software entrepreneur, having founded a well known email marketing software company whose technology currently powers the NaturalNews email newsletters. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and pursues hobbies such as martial arts, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. He's also author a large number of health books offered by Truth Publishing and is the creator of numerous reference website including NaturalPedia.com and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. His websites also include the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the innate healing ability of the human body. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at www.HealthRanger.org
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