External Training

[8nsteen8]

Hi,

My football season is now over. We advanced to a higher league for next year by the way

From now each player is responsible for his own training until January when we train collectively again.

Usually our training program offseason consists of running and weight lifting.

My aim with my training this offseason is to balance up my bodys strength and flexibility. My Chi Kung training theese 3 months have shown my that i have over the years of onesided training developed a big inbalance in strength and flexibility particular in my legs and middle body. This has led to me getting different injuries off and on during season.

I also want to increase my strength and agility foremost in my legs and also increase my endurance.

I feel that my Chi Kung training is working on balancing and clearing alot of blockages in my thighs, hips, butt and lower back. I also feel that the exercies for increased flexibility have helped me alot.

But i feel that my current level of Chi Kung training dont add much strength and endurance. But that might be because of my lack of understanding.

I am looking for a way to train my strength and endurance in a Shaolin Wahnam way were i work with my chi and that at the same time assists me in my aims for my football.

/Niklas

[Dorin]

Hi

A way of improving strength and stamina which will help you greatly in any physical activity you perform, is Body Breathing. (breathing in good qi through all body pores until Xia Dantian and breathing out the bad qi through your body pores far away - with abdominal breathing). This will also help you clear the blockages you may still have.
Of course, the best advice will come from your instructors, as they have not only a better understanding, but also know your current developmental stage.

Hope this helps

Dorin

[8nsteen8]

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Thanks for the reply.

Do this exercise also add strength to my legs and helps me with the current muscle inbalance i have in my lower body?

[Dorin]

You are welcome.

Yes it does. It helps your entire body, including the legs.
And you will find that you will no longer feel tired easily.

It can be done while walking, running, sitting, lying down and even sleeping.
There are some masters that reached a very high level by only practicing this exercise.

Dorin

[Dorin]

I forgot "standing"

[Andrew]

Dorin's advice may be good for his system. I would not recommend this practice for you, though, Niklas. You have all the tools you need. The Art of Flexible Legs (Three Levels to the Ground, Divine Crane Starts Dancing, Lohan Touches the Ground) is all you need with maybe a little Lifting The Sky for good measure.

Don't get caught up in thinking you need some advance method for your needs. You already have advanced methods, so use them. Also remember that specific advanced techniques (such as Dan Tian Breathing) should be learned from (and if possible supervised by) a Master. This is for the student's benefit.

Andrew

[8nsteen8]

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Thanks Siheng Andrew,

I am aware that i have advanced methods and i am using the art of flexible legs and loving them.

I cant feel they are increasing my endurance and strength though. Maybe i am doing something wrong?

Do you have a suggestion how a training program should be to reach my aims?

[Andrew]

Within what period do you expect to feel the increase in endurance and strength? And how are you measuring them? Think about this for a bit.

Once you have thought about it, you will likely already have the answers.

If you practice these exercises correctly every day for a few months (the closed season), you will have noticeable results. If you are looking for measurable results within a couple of weeks, you may be disappointed. Measure now (ideally before you start) and then after 3-4 months. I think you will be surprised.

Andrew

[8nsteen8]

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I guess my problem is that i dont have any experience and would like to get confirmation from someone who has.

I know what i get from weight lifting and running for 3 months. Can i achieve the same with The Art of Flexible Legs for 3 months?

We do regularly measured tests to check our progress. And we will do so in January as well. Everyone are encouraged to increase their training this offseason since we have advanced to a higher league.

And i dont want to put more stress to my body, thats why i want to be able to only do Chi Kung training in off season.

[Andrew]

I know what i get from weight lifting and running for 3 months. Can i achieve the same with The Art of Flexible Legs for 3 months?

No. If you want the benefits (and problems) associated with weight lifting and running, then you need to practice weight lifting and running.

You said you were looking to increase your strength, flexibility and endurance -- particularly in your lower body. You can achieve these with the practice I have mentioned. If you are able to add some stance training you will have a pretty complete package to achieve your objectives. In parallel you will cleanse several blockages and hopefully be able to avoid injuries next season (and for the future). Your mental clarity and joy for life will also improve, meaning you can make the best of your improvements within and outwith your sports activity.

If you practice weight lifting and running, what will you achieve?

Andrew

P.S. Congratulations to you and your team for the promotion.

[8nsteen8]

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Thanks Andrew,

I know too much the problems associated with weight lifting and running, which in one sense helps me to avoid them as much as possible. I also know that my Chi Kung training will continously clear my body.

But as you mention, i get so much more than just endurance and strength if i train Chi Kung. Benefits that i consider even more important

I havent learnt any stance training though. We used different stances in 18 Lohan hand and 18 Shaolin exercises course but we were moving in them which i believe isnt that harmful if you are doing something wrong.

[Andrew]

Don't worry about the stance training then. It would have been a nice "bonus". Make the most of what you have .... and you already have a lot.

Andrew

[Guest]

Hello Niklas,

how are you my friend?

I just want to share with you my experience, I decided last friday to walk home instead of catching a cab or calling my brother to pick me up.

The walk is just more than 2 miles. Throughout the walk I was not tired or out of breath. Something which is a big achievement for me as I normally tire and get out of breath after a mile. I was walking fairly fast and the weather was typical of the UK

So my advice is carry on training brother and you will surely see the benefits you want. Follow Sifu's advice of consistent training.

Love and respect Sham.