how do you spend your time working out

[Gary Steuer]

Hi Jim,
Good question... The snake is an internal form but is done at a faster speed in order to build concentration, focus, coordination and chi. The slow set which is the true internal set is done slowly to build that strength which is needed to support your body when you are using your chi. There is a lot of pulling movement which uses a lot of focus inwardly, and the slow pushing movements do the opposite, so you are constantly using muscle that is opposing the other muscle. Breathing in for pulling movement, out for pushing . There is also more abdominal work done in the slow set.
The snake is held in high regard in Asia and is believed to hold strengths that other animals don't have. The hand position is different for the snake than for the slow set. The snake uses the 2 fingers, index and middle to concentrate force for impact. The slow set uses an open hand so your chi will gather and then explode on impact.
The sets go way back in Chinese history for martial arts application or internal development. any true form of internal set has to use 108 movements to keep with the chinese beliefs.. Most Buddhists are also Taoists.... In thailand which base their beliefs on the Chinese principles the dragon doesn't look like the modern Chinese dragon. it looks more like a snake with a very long body. The old Chinese pictographs were the same.

[redmantis3]

Gary,

I had a few questions regarding the slow set also.

You mentioned the abdominal breathing that takes place in the slow Snake set. Is this the same rolling of the abs that you taught us or just the expanding and contracting?

Also, why is the entering/exiting of the temple salute used at the beginning and end of the Slow set?

Steve Perez
~S5CBA~

[Gary Steuer]

Hi Steve.....Good questions.. First, yes the breathing is the same as I taught. You roll the breath in all the directions to stimulate all the control points in the center body so they can radiate to the limb that you need to use... Second, the opening and closing of the gates is symbolic but also centers the body to accept the movement that will follow or at the close to release the flow and let the body relax to a neutral position....

[mic]

Hey Youngfool,
A while back you mentioned : "A key issue with stretching is to NOT strech ligaments, because it will weaken the joints." How do I know which ones I am streching tendons/muscles or ligaments? Am I a lots case if I have a gymnastic background?

[jay]

Hello Everyone,
The forums have been dead for a while so I thought I'd throw a few words in. Some of us do not have alot of space to practice. I mostly practice in my small kitchen because it is the only place where the floors do not creak and bother others. The area is approximately 4 feet by 8 feet. Gary used to say that one can do forms in a space 4 ft x 4 ft. This is very true except alot of moves have to be toned down as to not kick or hit things around the area. I have hit the refrigerator and kicked the counter numerous times. It's like iron kitchen training. There is very little space around the apartment building where I live.......... I also seem to want to practice forms late at night for some strange reason. Maybe because the air is better and there are less distractions.
Jay

[mic]

Thanks Jay for reviving us! Small cross in the shower is a little snug but it works too!

[Gary Steuer]

That's a good place to practice Mic. Good to get used to doing techniques in a tight place also, so if you can find a partner to work on them with you...........

[youngfool]

mic said:

Hey Youngfool,
A while back you mentioned : "A key issue with stretching is to NOT strech ligaments, because it will weaken the joints." How do I know which ones I am streching tendons/muscles or ligaments? Am I a lots case if I have a gymnastic background?

HI Michelle,

No I don't think a gymnastic background will be any more problem for you than say, a kung fu background ?

I think as long as we stretch gently, and with the joints in alignment we're pretty safe. Avoid twisting or lateral tension on hinge joints like the knees. Save the twisting stretches for the spine. Work more for maintaining rang of motion rather than radically changing it. that's my 2 cents.... and be sure you feel the stretch in your muscles, not the joints.

pat

[mic]

Hi Pat,
Thanks for the answer and... the next one who mispells my name gets to write it 50 times AND... I will try my best to kick his butt in March! Don't you love my optimism! ;-)
Michele

[Gary Steuer]

Just to show you you're never too young to start working out, even with weapons.. Good form !

[Gary Steuer]

I was asked when do I find the time to work out..... Of course the answer is always ! Whether I'm bending over or throwing a piece of paper into the trash or just walking or standing still and stretching my body.. The thought of my kungfu training is always on my mind... Have you ever been on a long walk or a drive and found yourself where you wanted to be but never thought about the physical action of doing it ? I've do this a lot ! You wonder " Wow, how did I get here ." I was doing my forms in my mind and wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. I thought ! The body was doing what it always does, it was protecting itself and it let you go about your business of working on your form...... Have you had this happen ?

[mic]

Question...
I need to include more cross stances in my daily activities... Now, the question is: How do I remind my MIND to include cross stances which would be a lot easier on my lower back???
Somehow, I don't use enough cross stances although they feel wonderful on all muscles around the hips... huh, Mark... want to help me there?

[steeve]

the cross stance is a transition ....from one posture to another one ...

well to change the direction u facing......... or to retreat fast(evading) and go forward ...

Steeve

[mic]

Steeve,

Please, read my question again.
I know how to transition w/cross stance while working out or doing forms.
My question was on how TO REMEMBER to include it with DAILY ACTIVITIES... anything in or outside of a house, a job, or anywhere NOT WORKING OUT, doing forms etc.. It might be a natural move to some folks but not me (as much as it is good for tight pelvis belt.)

Somehow, I can do horses, lower horses if necessary, but have a harder time including CROSS STANCE except in raking and snow shoveling

Does that make better sense?
Anyone else wants to give me suggestions?

I think it was Mark who mentioned standing in square or side horse while brushing his teeth.

Guess I could start with x stand there... then in shower stall as well, while I wipe down shower doors and walls but I need to either elevate all lower cabinets or
lower my stances AND add cross stances...
to save my back!

[Gary Steuer]

Somethings just come naturally and others have to be thought about constantly until they become natural.. I still marvel when I see Thai people either relaxing or working or eating or whatever when there is no seating available.....They squat.......... It is the most natural thing for them to do .. Knees together and they sit on their heels. They can do this all day ! I can do it for about 15 minutes and then I need to call 191 ( The Thai version of 911. )

Seriously though, things take time and if you have to remind yourself constantly about what you want to do until it becomes a natural movement .... I use a cross stance when I want to pick up something off the floor. I also try to keep my back as straight as possible and use the stance to lower myself to within reach of whatever I want to do ............ Hope that helps...... Remember, if things were easy everyone would do it !! They don't !!!