The Zen on Meditation - Flowery Branch Karate

At I Love Martial Arts Georgia, we guide individuals through all sorts of exercise to promote for a stronger, better life. One workout that we guide classes through is usually done right before warming up our bodies. In the martial arts world, meditation serves as a tool to connect the mind to the body.

According to Instructor Gasstrom from Choe’s HapKiDo in Loganville, “…your mind plays a significant part when doing physical training and conditioning as it will determine how long you will be able to handle the intensity of the workout. Therefore, by training your mind to overcome greater lengths and amount of workout, you will be able to have even better results.”

As fierce and wild as meditation sounds, it should not be overlooked as useless. It is simple, yet can be powerful. Neurologists have observed beneficial changes to the brain for those that undergo meditation: it can decrease pain sensitivity, improve mood associated to depression and anxiety, increase focus which greatly affect those with ADD/ADHD, and influence to be more awake and relaxed (Dvorsky).

While some studies have shown great changes to those who meditated five hours a day, people can receive benefits from this exercise by attempting 20 minutes a day. The mind is an incredible creation, as it can “memorize how much your body can handle and send it signals…[and] your body will perform against the limitations you set for yourself and improve with repetition (Gasstrom).

Meditation will not work like other forms of exercise because it’s in a zone of its own. If someone is looking for a way to relieve stress, then all forms of exercise including meditation will do. But if someone desires to improve in areas like mood, concentration and breathing, then meditation should be given a try. Especially if it is something that people can get into, it can be so beneficial to one’s health.

For more information on I Love Martial Arts Georgia, visit here.

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Written by Christie McGowan

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Citations

Dvorsky, George. “The Science Behind Mediation, and Why It Makes You Feel Better.” i09.com. Kinja, 2013. Web. 14 Jan. 2015.

Gasstrom, John. “Martial Arts Lesson of the Week- Connecting Mind and Body.” Choe’s HapKiDo of Youth. Bogger. 2014. Web. 14 Jan. 2015.


Image Used from depositphotos.com

Kickboxing Dacula FIghting Depression

“Kickboxing and Boxing Improved My Mental Health”  www.empowerher.com ; written by Rheyanne Weaver

This past week the world mourned Robin Williams and became a little more aware of depression and mental illness.  The subject is “trending” and almost every other facebook post is a quote from the famous comedian/ actor.  My guess is that people are asking, “How could someone so funny and full of life be that desperate?”  The answer may be that mental illness is just that~ an illness.  Like any other illness, cardiovascular exercise can improve symptoms.  This month, in honor of Robin, I researched how kickboxing can improve mental health. 

The article I read is written by a kickboxing student who found that through kickboxing, she felt relief of depression and anxiety.  She cites that she not only feels better about herself, but has benefited from less overall physical health problems through kickboxing.  Punching and kicking is a great way to relieve negative emotions such as anger, frustration, irritability, stress in a healthy, positive outlet.  Losing weight and gaining physical strength is an added bonus.  Instead of a downward spiral common with negative thinking and depression, kickboxing gives a mental boost and builds confidence.  It also fuels motivation which counteracts depression.  Each class gives a sense of accomplishment as well as being fun.  Both are good for fighting mental illness.  Learning new skills and meeting new people are also benefits of kickboxing.  By learning new skills, a student is exercising their mind~ occupying it with something positive.  Being a part of a class provides the opportunity to socialize/ build relationships that also counteract the loneliness and isolation associated with depression. 

The author, a woman, also cites that by doing a traditionally “masculine” workout, she is empowered and feels strong and able to defend herself.  Again, this counteracts feelings of helplessness.  Having a trainer to encourage and push her, gave her very satisfying results. 

Although I was saddened to hear of Robin Williams' struggles, I think it can be an opportunity to take a serious look at safeguarding mental health.  Sometimes, we can get too focused on losing weight or another physical goal.  It is important to be aware of one’s own mental health and taking care of it.  Kickboxing has so many benefits~ It’s good for body, mind and soul.  Most people are aware that exercise lowers blood pressure and is good for arthritis and diabetes.  The cardiovascular benefits in kickboxing are also that feel-good chemicals are released in the brain.  For those suffering from anxiety and depression, kickboxing can be a healthy alternative for coping.  Instead of retreating into self, kickboxing class is an opportunity to socialize with others.  It’s also a distraction that stops the cycle of negative thinking for a time. 

The calming effect after kickboxing is felt throughout the day; enabling a person to think and process more clearly.  This month, I’m choosing to honor Robin Williams' memory by having this awareness. 

Written By: Kerry Carron Kickboxing Instructor

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Choe's HapKiDo Karate of Flowery Branch

7380 Spout Springs Rd
Flowery Branch, Braselton, Buford, Hamilton Mill 30542
(770) 967-1700