mantis

I'm not sure if Running is good for qigong, but it's good for your health, and a healthy body is a happy body, FWIW.

This guy studied under Ip Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-c4NZqejXg

While I can see your argument I think it's taken to an extreme. I don't practice Tai Chi so I can't really tell if someone is stiff or not, but doing Push ups will never give you the mass that even the lowest level bodybuilder has. Even then, though, I think that a lot of people give that assumption to people who are bodybuilders (I mean professionals, not weekend warriors). Look at Mariusz for example, worlds strongest man, in Dancing with the Stars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNcGY7K0ilA Granted he isn't doing anything out of the ordinary but I'm sure even ordinary things become difficult when you're 300lbs, with most of that weight being muscle mass. Even ordinary people who do not exercise and do not stretch will become stiff, I suppose. I had troubles with Push ups and my rotator cuffs originally but that was because a muscle balance I created, which as I said can be treated by balancing Push ups with Rows.

Push ups and Pull ups in my opinion are all you need for upper body strength and I have seen them involved in most systems of physical exercise and or culture. The important thing is to balance Push ups with rows, which can be done with a broomstick between two chairs. This is to prevent muscle imbalance which could eventually lead to injury.

Great Couldn't run today, my shins are still sore from Mondays run I guess I ran too fast too soon.

Yeah, I use Nike Free shoes which are supposed to stimulate running barefoot. They have pretty much no sole or support and really strengthen your feet.

I made it pretty far on the program with no problems and I assure you I am not special. The only reason I stopped was because my goals had changed and running that much was burning too many calories that I could not replace. I agree wholeheartedly. You should always stretch for at least 5 minutes after finishing a run, working from the top to the bottom. The lower back, the hips, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calve muscles are the main groups you should focus on. 20 miles a day is incredible, I am going to go out on a limb here and say that Master Wang is still amongst the living, . Taomeow mentioned something like this, though, in the seminar she attended with Master Wang Liping (unless you're talking about the same Wang here). There are a lot of exercises you can do for your shins to prepare them for running and to help prevent shin splints (which is what keeps most people away from running, ime). The best I think is an isometric exercise in which you try to bring your toes as close to your shin as you can, and hold it there for as long as possible, working up to 5 minutes a leg. A close second is where you stand on a wall and keep your feet about a foots distance in front of you and pull your toes up without letting them touch the ground. A few sets of 20-30 reps is the key here. Once your shins get stronger you can raise one leg off the ground, this makes the exercise considerably harder.

I'm using a program that people use to prepare for Navy SEAL training. It works you up to 30 miles a week if you follow it to the end, which I don't. You can find the routine here (it includes push ups, sit ups, and pull ups) Sounds pretty cool, could you elaborate on it or is it one of those need-to-know basis qigongs?

What would be the male counterpart? There is an ebook floating around on the net (I'm not sure if you can still find it) but it was about a Japanese man who met an older Japanese male who had penis weights essentially, said that all Samurais used to use them (to strengthen the PC). You'd put them on your monkey and let it get excited so that It'd stay in place and do sets (although I'm not sure how safe this is, if it's too tight it could artificially engorge it and then not want to come off). I'm guessing using a wet towel would be the best bet, lol Found the ebook: http://www.thundersplace.org/forum/showthread.php?t=70839

I'd like to hear more of the tobacco thing - PM if you don't want to post it here for whatever reason. Is this the book you're talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Genghis-Khan-Conqueror-Leo-Hartog/dp/1860649726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265708839&sr=8-1

http://www.crossfit.com http://www.sealfit.com

Very interesting post as usual, Taomeow. Could you elaborate more on the whole "drinking and smoking" might be good for you? I remember you posted that I believe a dentist? told you that smoking in moderation was good for you although I am not sure about the liquor. This is the second time you mention Genghis Khan, could you tell me the name of the book? It sounds very interesting, I'd like to buy it.

While impressive, I doubt she could run a utlramarathon, whereas that would be no big deal for a Tarahumara.

I think what is most interesting is their poor diet, it does not seem to limit them in any way.

Putting this thread back on the 1st page.

Very interesting thread.

I practiced his stuff a while back and I definitely felt a tangible change inside, take that for what you deem it is worth. However, the following is very much cult like, and you'll find any kind of disagreement with him or any specific teaching to face instant deletion/removal from the board. Good luck.

"Go there to learn Mo Pai" Oh boy, not again.

Haha, alright. I guess my grocery list would be something like Quinoa Beef Beets Greens (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc) Nuts (cashews, almonds) Bananas Honey Chicken Raisins Ghee I already have some organic non-gmo coconut oil that I don't really use but if you have any suggestions just let me know, haha. I really appreciate all the dietary help and I hope I'm not the only one taking notes!!

I'm not sure of any HFS around here, but I just moved here a few months ago so I'll keep my eyes peeled. I lift a lot so I'm thinking some type of quinoa/chicken breast combo for breakfast, a nut + raisin combo for lunch (a sandwich bag with almonds and raisins, for example), salad a few hours later, and some rice/bean/chicken or fish for dinner with some whey protein added in later, how does that sound to you? I take a fish oil supplement with 500 dha/250 epa per capsule and I take saw palmetto as well (excess DHT on scalp = hair loss).

I've been looking for quinoa for a long time in the grocery store - always to no avail, I'll have to order some online. How do you feel about fruit and dairy products? I know you said the milk here in the US is awful.

Taomeow - I've said this before and I'll say it again I really enjoy your posts but I have a request of you - a diet thread. Nothing fancy, just things you recommend that are neither here nor there (as in they'd be generally recommended as safe) such as supplements you take, personal no no's, etc. You and witch seem to be advocates of no/low grain diets, how do you feel about carbohydrates? By carbohydrates I mean avoiding grains but eating fruits and vegetables, and perhaps oats and legumes (for slow-digesting & low gi carbohydrates). My current diet is far from ideal as I just got a job and the cheapest food is usually the worse for you but I plan on following a diet like the above soon. Plenty of good fats (fish oil, olive oil, etc), lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Anyone currently take any? My hairline is somewhat receding (I'm only 19) so I buy shou wu chich regularly.

Is there any specific formulas you can recommend? As for DHT blockers, I have already ordered Saw Palmetto softgels.

$7 for a month's supply is hardly expensive, but anyway your haircut/hairstyle is a large part of your image and your look in general. I am young and it is very difficult for me to just say "ah forget it I'll go bald" if there is something I can do I'll do it.