BUILD MASSIVE LEGS WITH THE WALL SIT

"Construction" was a widely despised punishment during my secondary school days, along with squats, isometric arm holds, and a gauntlet of as many sadistic exercises and positions as could be imagined by the human mind. 

 

Looking back, as much as we hated the punishments, we were very strong, we would be woken from bed to run about 10 Km (with the threat of being whipped if you didn't keep pace), and our injuries healed faster. Apparently, what couldn't kill us made us stronger!

 

 

This exercise basically involves sitting with your back against a wall in a squat position, or for the more adept, performing the position in mid air and simply holding the position for as long as you can. It is important that the legs are at a 90 degree angle. Apparently you are not supposed to rest your hands on your thighs, but instead to hold them above your head or even in front of you to work your shoulders. The exercise builds isometric strength as well as endurance in the quads and glutes – a favorite exercise to perform for the running season, or if you're interested in the martial arts.

 

This is one exercise you can perform just about anywhere, with no need for gym equipment. With practice, you should be able to increase your muscular endurance and hold on for longer times. My longest time was above 5 hours ( I had a sadistic prefect standing over me with a belt!!). I wasn't smiling at the end, I assure you.

 

 

 

 

THE ART OF BREATHING – By Anirvachan

With The Art of Breathing Course, the answer to stress is right under your nose.

Have you ever been told to breathe in while counting from one to ten? You may have been given this advice to calm down from stress, and noticed that it worked. Did you know that it is possible to keep the same sense of calm from day to day? The key to achieving greater happiness isn’t very far. In fact, an Art of Breathing Course instructor would tell you it is right under your nose. Literally. It’s all in something as simple as the breath.

So, why the breath?

So why is the breath so important in dealing with stress? With ever greater demands on our time, one needs more energy to handle the stress of daily life. Confidence, inner peace, enthusiasm and a smile - these qualities shine through naturally when the body is  full of energy and vitality. Learning the breathing techniques  taught in The Art of Breathing Course allows us to dissolve stress and negative emotions, calm the mind, and uplift our energy.

Many have found more ease in relationships and in decision-making, thanks to clearer thinking and a more peaceful, understanding mind. Participants have found they have greater self-esteem, and even feel much younger than their years! So if you’re looking for the secret to happiness, why not join an Art of Breathing workshop near you? Start learning to be happy – by having a stress-free mind.

All this is achieved by attending the course and doing simple and fun exercises, also by doing easy practices at home

Benefits

"The secret lies in our own breath. Through breathing exercises, certain breathing techniques and some practice of meditation, we can rekindle positive vibrations within and around us."

Reduced stress

Greater sense of happiness and enthusiasm

More confidence

More ease in interpersonal skills

Anti-aging and rejuvenation effects

Anirvachan is a Computer Engineer and Yoga Instructor with Sri Sri Yoga. He delivers free yoga classes every Tuesday by 7pm at Ikoyi Club. The Art of Breathing Course is an Initiative of Sri Sri Yoga International.

BREATHE EASY: YOUR BREATHING AFFECTS YOUR WORKOUT

Breathing exercises can help with exercise and improve your level of physical fitness in a variety of ways. Specific, focused breathing exercises can increase your lung capacity, induce relaxation, decrease exercise-induced cramping by increasing the flow of oxygen and help you develop a sense of mindful awareness of your body when you exercise.

Proper breathing during exercises where you exert yourself - such as lifting, pushing, or pulling - is much easier to remember and control than the 3:2 ratio during running long distance. To put it simply: always exhale on exertion.

For example, when you are pushing a bench press off your chest, you exhale on the push and inhale as you bring it slowly to your chest. When you are doing a pullup, you exhale on the pulling up motion and inhale on the way down.

Breathing during exertion is important in preventing internal injury such as hernia, blood vessel strain, and high blood pressure.

Because weight lifting and PT can be potentially harmful when done incorrectly, it is advised to get clearance from a doctor before performing too much - too soon.

 To do for today: focus on breathing deep all the time - during workouts and in your daily activities.