The Gyrotonic “expansion system” houses hooks, ropes and pulleys to allow a full range of movement: to stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissues and to mobilise joints. Invented by Juliu Horvath, a Romanian ballet dancer, inspired by yoga, ballet, … Continue reading
Zen Do (“the correct path”) was invented by Rafael Nieto, director of the new Karmaa Martial Arts Centre at London’s Camden Lock. It’s a blend of karate, oriental kicking, boxing and self-defence. Aficionados include Jonny Lee Miller, Jude Law and … Continue reading
Yoga is useful in helping to increase lung capacity but is not aerobic with the exception of ashtanga which fast-paced. Some yoga postures are weightbearing, but to maintain bone density, yoga should be combined with lifting light weights, and other … Continue reading
Getting on a bike exercises the heart and lungs more than walking and avoids the impact of running. Although cycling on busy roads means you will be breathing in pollution. For best results, cycle for a 20-30 minutes, three or … Continue reading
One of the best cardiovascular workouts. A study found that women running 40 miles a week reduced their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 45 per cent compared with women running under ten miles. Even 45 minutes on the … Continue reading
Weight training does not help cardiovascular fitness and should be supplemented with another fitness activity. The weight resistance helps build bone mass and helps protect against osteoporosis. It burns around 200 calories per hour. Training can be adapted to the … Continue reading
Tennis gives a good cardiovascular workout and weightbearing exercise and burns approximately 300 calories per hour. Keeps most of the main muscle groups trim and active – but is particularly good for strengthening shoulders, biceps and triceps, and quadriceps. To … Continue reading
Tennis gives a good cardiovascular workout and weightbearing exercise and burns approximately 300 calories per hour. Keeps most of the main muscle groups trim and active – but is particularly good for strengthening shoulders, biceps and triceps, and quadriceps. To … Continue reading
Excellent for the heart and lungs and is one of the best aerobic activities. It can even save you money getting around while it’s builds cardiovascular fitness. It is also low impact which means it doesn’t damage bones. It also … Continue reading
Swimming is one of the kindest exercises for the body. The water supports the body, which is particularly helpful if you are not fit. It is an excellent heart and lung strengthener which will improve the delivery of oxygen to … Continue reading
Regular workouts help you resist and recover from ageing diseases. Research shows that regular workouts not only keep you fit but also the body recover from life-threatening diseases. But workouts need to be geared to your body type and fitness … Continue reading
An exercise and lifestyle philosophy that can assist fitness, particularly the back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, respiratory problems, insominia and arthritis. Also stress,asthma and sinusitis and recovery from general illness. A combination of stretching exercises known as … Continue reading
Treats skin problems, digestive disorders, heart problems, allergies, stress, flu. Not suitable for pregnant women.
A series of flowing movements based on Buddhist and Toaist teachings designed topromote spiritual and emotional well-being. Further information: The UK Tai Chi Association PO Box 159 Bromley Kent BR1 3XX. UK Tel: ++ 44(0)208 289 5166 Fax: ++ 44(0)208 … Continue reading
A one to one therapy which can help sciatica,back pain, depression, stress, emotional trauma. More information can be obtained from: National Federation of Spiritual Healers Old Manor Farm Studio Church Street Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 6RG Tel:++ 44(0)845 1232777 Fax: ++ 44 … Continue reading
The therapist using intense finger pressure and sometimes elbows and knees on acupuncture points. Helps stress, arthritis and asthma. Information: The Shiatsu Society (UK) Eastlands Court St Peters Road Rugby Warwickshire Rugby CV21 3QP. UK. Tel 44(0)845 1304560 Fax 44(0) … Continue reading
A powerful massage of the connective tissue that is said to relax the muscle and improve body function. www.rolfingeurope.com info@rolfingeurope.com
Based on an ancient Japanes form of healing where energy is transfered from one person to another. The word Reiki means universal life energy and has its roots in Tibetan Buddhism. The practitioner places their hands in 12 basic positions … Continue reading
An ancient healing art used to treat a wide variety of conditions such as hayfever, asthma and other breathing problems. Practitioners press various points on the foot to stimulate nerves and musclesand encourage the organs to work more efficiently. The … Continue reading
Using massage and stretching to relieve musclo-skeletal problems, sports injuries, tension headaches, arthritis. Information from: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy www.csp.org.uk
Bones and muscles are massaged and manipulated to relieve aches and pains. Cranial osteopathy gently manipulates the skull. Sometimes available on the NHS. Useful for back problems are arthritis and general pain relief. Information from: General Osteopathic Council www.ostepathy.org.uk info@ostepathy.org.uk
Patients are encouraged to use music creatively to explore their own problems. Association of Music Professional Therapists 38 Pierce Lane Fulbourn, Cambridge, UK. www.musictherapyworld.net
There are many different disciplines such as Transcendental Meditation, in which you sitwith your eyes closed and chant a mantra or Buddhist meditation and focus on positive feelings. The School of Meditation in London offers introductory lessons on the different … Continue reading
There are a variety of different massage therapies including Swedish and Indian. Western massage is aimed at releasing knots in the muscles while Eastern therapies use accupressure points. Helps to ease muscular aches and pains and stress. Information: British Massage … Continue reading
Using massage of the acupunture meridians kinesiology assists in restoring the body’s energy balance. Helps patients to gain relief from stress and also boosts energy. it is based on the belief that each muscle relates to an internal organ and … Continue reading
