luar
30th March 2001, 19:10
I have only touch this subject briefly on other threads but I think it deserves its own path:
Early this winter I started a weight and strength training program. Every other day I go to the gym to workout. I am 6'3, 198 lbs (tall and thin) and while I have no desire to bulk up immensely, I am interested in strengthening areas of my body that are weak, such as my upper body strength.
I have also paid close attention to strengthening my torso and abs area which have loosen my hip movements. One of the best exercises I find is to take a 24 lb bar and placing it on my shoulders with my arms wrapped on top it. In front of a mirror, I practice the various blocks, dodges and punches. Without the use of my arms, I believe this helps me to correct my hip movements.
Overall, I find that my kicks and back punches are much stronger but I am very conscious of not working out to the point where I lose my flexibility. If anything I perform the same stretching exercises that I do in the dojo before I start lifting. I even spend a few minutes trying to develop my zazen skills.
Ciao
Early this winter I started a weight and strength training program. Every other day I go to the gym to workout. I am 6'3, 198 lbs (tall and thin) and while I have no desire to bulk up immensely, I am interested in strengthening areas of my body that are weak, such as my upper body strength.
I have also paid close attention to strengthening my torso and abs area which have loosen my hip movements. One of the best exercises I find is to take a 24 lb bar and placing it on my shoulders with my arms wrapped on top it. In front of a mirror, I practice the various blocks, dodges and punches. Without the use of my arms, I believe this helps me to correct my hip movements.
Overall, I find that my kicks and back punches are much stronger but I am very conscious of not working out to the point where I lose my flexibility. If anything I perform the same stretching exercises that I do in the dojo before I start lifting. I even spend a few minutes trying to develop my zazen skills.
Ciao