The key to a healthy old life may be as easy as waving your arms, so forget about pricey gym subscriptions.
One study indicated that women who performed a traditional Chinese arm swing exercise three times per week for two months had faster walking speeds, better posture, and more flexibility.
After practicing Shuai Shou Gong, the women, who were in their 60s to 70s, also found it simpler to dress and prepare meals.
Less effort was required to even touch their toes.
Researcher Professor Neil Roberts, from the University of Edinburgh, said: “These findings show that the gentle, rhythmic, whole-body sequence of movements of Shuai Shou Gong can be easily learned and enjoyed by older adults and can improve overall health and well-being improves.”
The exercise routine, which is more than 1,000 years old, consists of a series of five arm swings. In the first four, the arms swing back and then forward, to shoulder height
On the fifth swing, bend your knees twice — once as you swing your arms back and again as you bring them forward. The sequence is then repeated several times
The exercise routine, which is more than 1,000 years old, consists of a series of five arm swings. In the first four, the arms swing back and then forward, to shoulder height.
On the fifth swing, bend your knees twice — once as you swing your arms back and again as you bring them forward. The sequence is then repeated several times.
The deceptively simple moves can yield a wealth of benefits. The knee bends strengthen the muscles in the hips and thighs.
Swinging the arms stimulates the nerves, tendons and muscles around the shoulder, reports Plos One magazine.
In the first study of its kind, 56 women between the ages of 60 and 80 were divided into two groups.
Professor James Goodwin (pictured), from the University of Exeter, said using Shuai Shou Gong would bring ‘many benefits to the general population’
One of them took 40-minute Shuai Shou Gong classes three times a week for two months.
The second group just went on with their lives. In retrospect, the arm swingers saw benefits in posture, gait and flexibility.
They also found daily tasks easier and felt more confident. The other group saw no improvement – ??and their walking even deteriorated.
Professor James Goodwin, from the University of Exeter, said the use of Shuai Shou Gong would bring ‘many benefits to the general population’.
He added: ‘It would maintain quality of life, contribute to good mental health and could even slow down general aging.’
How ancient Chinese technique can help improve your walking speed, posture and flexibility