Old Philosophies, New Programs

Old Philosophies, New Programs

Although some of the powerful disciplines mentioned in this chapter have been around for centuries, they are not necessarily ends unto themselves in the modern fitness world. Just as Billy Blanks took traditional martial arts and combined them with modern elements to create Tae-Bo, which is discussed in Chapter 17, “Fight Your Way to Fitness” other innovators have taken their inspiration from various lands and times and have used that inspiration as a foundation for contemporary routines. Here are some examples:
? Power Moves. This is a choreographed melange of movements derived from several Eastern traditions. The class warms up with tai chi to “awaken the power.” It proceeds with postures and movements from Ashanti yoga to “concentrate the power.”Next,elements of kickboxing “release the power.” Finally, Ch’i Kung inspires the cool-down, and it “calms the power.” The instructor should emphasize the mind-body connection and proper breathing. For information,
? JoSand. A workout pioneer who goes by the name of Johnny G is credited with inventing Spinning. More recently, he developed a balancing act that he calls JoSand.The workout centers around a six-foot wooden stick, known in Japan as a jo. With the stick balanced on the fingers, participants do a series of moves, such as short runs,jumps, squats, and turns. Johnny G claims a connection between the participant and nature. In southern California, where this workout was created, it’s done on wet beach sand at low tide. Stay tuned to see whether it will show up at your local health club.
? Aqua Yoga. Water or aqua aerobics and water or aqua jogging have been around for a while, but more recently, water or aqua yoga and water or aqua tai chi have appeared on the scene. The benefits of body buoyancy, the resistance of water, and the impact-free aquatic environment are added to ancient Eastern arts.
? YogaFit. This fast-moving hybrid combines the energy of aerobics with the flow and flexibility of yoga. Like aerobics programs, YogaFit is choreographed to music, but that choreography uses yoga movements and postures. (See Chapter 12, “Your Heart Will Love Aerobic Exercise.”)