| In the last section of this series, we will cover a | | | | it breaks down. If it doesn't dissolve, what good is |
| little more nutrition advice and move back into | | | | it? |
| low-impact exercise routines. | | | | Now, back to more low-impact exercising. Among |
| Let's start with choosing the right daily vitamin for | | | | the martial arts are Chinese internal styles that |
| you. Daily vitamin supplements are gender and | | | | are low-impact, develop strength, improve |
| age specific, so you want to pick one that fits | | | | balance, and enhance flexibility. Many of these |
| your age and gender profile. For example: Men | | | | styles have a close relationship with Chinese |
| should not be taking a woman's daily vitamin and | | | | medicine. In some ways, you could consider |
| mineral supplement with iron. Too much iron can | | | | Chinese internal martial arts to be the physical |
| be toxic, have devastating effects, and even be | | | | therapy of traditional Chinese medicine. |
| fatal. | | | | Don't be deceived into thinking that the internal |
| Some men do need iron supplements, but please | | | | martial arts are only good for your mental and |
| consult with your family physician, and then he, or | | | | physical well being. This is true, but they also have |
| she, can give you an informed opinion. Children are | | | | a bonus in that self-defense concepts will be |
| also at risk from iron poisoning, as this is a very | | | | learned. I often tell children, who study martial arts |
| common cause of poisoning among children. | | | | at our center, "A fly on the wall would know how |
| Therefore, it is advisable to keep vitamin | | | | to defend itself, if it stayed here long enough." |
| supplements out of a child's reach. | | | | Tai Chi is the most popular of the Chinese internal |
| The next point to cover is the real need for | | | | martial arts. Postures are strung together in a |
| supplementation, in the first place. Many people | | | | low-impact sequence that becomes fluid and |
| feel that eating correctly would counter the need | | | | graceful. Many people suffering from a variety of |
| for supplementation. Natural and whole foods are | | | | ailments mention how much Tai Chi has improved |
| a top priority, for those on nutritionally dense | | | | their lives. It is definitely worth taking a class. |
| diets, but it is doubtful that an individual would | | | | Water aerobics classes are a fantastic form of |
| consume the exact proportions, during the course | | | | low-impact exercise. Every muscle in your body is |
| of a day. Who eats all the right foods, every day, | | | | worked in a typical class. The water gives you |
| with the exact vitamin and mineral profile, for | | | | natural resistance for muscle tone and keeps you |
| their age and gender? | | | | cool. The increase in heart rate is good for your |
| Absorption is another key issue with vitamins. | | | | cardiovascular system. |
| Your vitamin should break down in your body. | | | | With each form of exercise I mentioned |
| Otherwise, you are wasting your money. To test | | | | throughout this series - consult with your physician |
| your current vitamin's solubility, you could put it in | | | | before starting. You will get some solid advice and |
| a glass of water, for an hour or two, to see how | | | | avoid any unforeseen problems. |