I enjoy many different types of exercise and being active in nature, but I also really appreciate finding something that is able to make the best possible use of my time and energy, and that’s why I’m so hyped about the Maxi Climber.
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antigravityyoga.com
Think yoga was only meant for the floor? Have you found yourself wishing there were other more dynamic ways of practicing yoga? Thanks to people like Christopher Harrison, founder of AntiGravity, Inc., we can now all enjoy yoga while suspended in mid-air.
Harrison’s mission is to create a “lighter existence” and in so doing developed a program dedicated to “suspension training” or aerial yoga. Aerial yoga was designed as a bridge between fitness workouts. You get the core workout and alignment of yoga but also a great low impact cardio workout. Aerial yoga aligns your body and decompresses your joints. It is great for dancers and athletes looking for new strength training exercises or as a way to stretch and heal the body from intense fitness schedules.
The silk hammock, often seen in aerial shows, lets you feel the weight of your body and use it to become fully aware of every muscle working. You gain a better understanding of your body and create a stable, strong system for everyday obstacles. The continuous movement and deep breathing “stimulates the release of neurotransmitters from the brain,” specifically serotonin. The
release of serotonin helps to alleviate pain and create that ‘happy’ feeling while pushing your body to new extremes.
The tranquil feeling that follows works to increase joint mobility and hydrate the vertebral discs in your spine. Not only will aerial yoga help with core strengthening, balance and flexibility but it will also release tension from your body and mind. If you are a yogi, I would definitely suggest trying it—take your regular yoga to new heights!
Imagine a surfboard on wheels. It’s a bit like skateboarding right? Now imagine incorporating the upper body work out from a sport like canoeing, and you’ve got an activity done by people all over Hawaii and even out here in the streets of Los Angeles—land paddling.
Land paddling is classified as a “board sport” like surfing or stand-up paddling, invented by Hawaiians thousands of years ago. Like stand-up paddling in the ocean, land paddling requires the same form and technique, except you’re on dry land propelling yourself forward with a big stick, commonly known by long paddlers as the Big Kahuna Stick. The Big Kahuna Stick is 1.5 to 1.95 meters long made of either bamboo or wood, with a layer of fiber fiberglass wrapped around it and a carbon rubber grip.
The great thing about land paddling is that you can get an intense core and upper-body cardiovascular workout, and do it almost anywhere there is flat land. Skate parks, out on the street, or in regular parks near bike trails are great places to land paddle. Especially trails with mini-dips, so you can get up some good speed!
While it is helpful to have some experience in skate boarding, it is something people of all ages can take up, and is definitely a more enjoyable work out than the average trip to the gym. I can guarantee after about forty minutes, you will definitely start feeling the burn!
Check out the video below for a breakdown of how land paddling works, and as the land paddlers of Hawaii say, carry a big stick!
References:
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Carrying_a_big_stick_98741989.html
By now many of us frequent “beachgoers” have all seen the guys and gals standing up on surf boards in the middle of the ocean saying to ourselves “Wow, that look like so much fun…man, I wish I could do that.” Well you can and you will! Not only is Standup Paddle Board surfing one of the fastest growing water sport activities, it’s easy to learn, provides a great core workout and a perfect vantage point for appreciating aquatic life. Check out this simple instructional video we found on the web for some of the basics and fundamentals on how to SUP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-7rDavdJGs
I am an avid SUP surfer and ocean advocate. I highly suggest it to all who can swim and are physically active. Next time you’re in Malibu, stop by the Mailbu Surf Shack and tell the boys that Dr. B sent you and you may receive a discount on your rental or purchase and maybe a few tips from the pro’s. Cowabunga!
Malibu Surf Shack
22935 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265-4934
(310) 456-8508
http://www.malibusurfshack.com
