By: Dr. Justin Walbom, DC and Dr. Greg Millar, DC CCEP
Millar Chiropractic - Madison Al
Millar Chiropractic - Madison Al
It seems like there's a new fitness craze every few years. Television news reporters extol the virtues of each of these latest and greatest exercise regimens. Countless articles in magazines and newspapers feature celebrities and fitness models demonstrating these new routines.
Way back in the mid-1980s, high-impact aerobic classes were the new thing in fitness. It didn't take long however, for even the most ardent exercisers to notice that all that jumping up-and-down caused shin splints, stress fractures and other injuries. This realization helped usher in the low-impact aerobics craze. Strength training has also seen the popularity of various workout philosophies rise and fall over the years - from working out on Nautilus and other equipment, to isometric resistance band training, circuit training, kettlebells and Super Slow resistance training.
After trying out a succession of "new and improved" workout styles, many of us eventually come to the conclusion that the more simplistic exercises we learned long ago work just as well as, or maybe even better than, the latest trends. According to Dr. Greg Millar and Dr. Justin Walbom of Millar Chiropractic Clinics in Madison, Alabama, tried and true calisthenics such as jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, lunges, and pull-ups that our gym teachers used to make us do can be an effective method for developing overall strength and fitness. These compound exercises we used to complain about as teenagers are surprisingly effective at building core strength too. Back then, nobody spoke about strengthening one's core. The results, however, spoke for themselves. Having a strong core is now recognized as an important aspect of overall fitness, largely due to the increased popularity of Pilates since the 1990s.
The increasing popularity of yoga classes has followed a similar trajectory as the increased popularity of Pilates classes. Although Joseph Pilates developed his fitness methods back in the 1930s, his programs didn't really become widely known until the last 20-25 years. Yoga, on the other hand, has various styles or disciplines that are centuries old. Hatha yoga is a well-known type which was initially described by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century. Today, people of all ages and fitness levels enjoy practicing yoga. Participants in a typical yoga class include kids, teenagers, and adults of all ages, including seniors in their 70s and 80s.
If you think you have to already be in decent shape to begin a yoga practice, think again. Check out this amazing short video that chronicles the story of Arthur Boorman, a disabled veteran who was told he would never be able to walk on his own again. The strength of his determination is incredibly inspiring.
A typical yoga workout includes not only exercises designed to build strength and increase flexibility, but will also often include a series of rapid movements to increase aerobic intensity. Yoga helps its practitioners increase their ability to concentrate, focus, and naturally calm the mind. Another benefit is learning how to breathe properly, which helps to provide needed energy to the muscles. Beginners are able to work at their own pace and can therefore derive as much benefit as even the most experienced students in the class.
Millar Chiropractic - Madison AL
1908 Slaughter Rd.
Madison, Alabama 35758
(256) 430-2700
http://millarchiro.com/millarchiropractic-madisonal-chiropractor.html
1Williams K, et al: Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficacy of Iyengar yoga therapy on chronic low back pain. Spine 34(19):2066-2076, 2009
2Tekur P, et al: Effect of short-term intensive yoga program on pain, functional disability and spinal flexibility in chronic low back pain: a randomized control study. J Altern Complement Med 14(6):637-644, 2008
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