johnwang wrote:Let's compare the following 2 different workouts. Which one will give you better health benefit? Assume both workouts will take 1 and 1/2 hour.
1 - Repeat your CMA form N time non-stop for 1 and 1/2 hour.
2 - Walk for 1 and 1/2 hour (a bit over 3 miles). While you are walking, you can drill your punch combos, kick combos, throw combos, kick/punch combos, ... at the same time.
Example of
punch combo - hook punch, back fist, over hand.
kick combo - front kick, roundhouse kick, side kick.
throw combo - foot sweep, inner hook, outer hook.
kick/punch combo - groin kick, face punch, hammer fist.
When I try method
- 1, I find out that I don't have enough motivation to do my form non-stop for 1 and 1/2 hour.
- 2, since I have to cover the 3 miles distance, I have no option but keep going until I finish my workout.
So method 2 is easier for me to do daily. Which method do you prefer?
2 points really about this post stand out to me. firstly motivation in terms of enjoyment is one factor, the other is factor of "better health benefit". As the exercises are similar, as long as the intensity is matching the health benefit is the same. The better choice is the one you enjoy, as the benefits are similar, the mental benefit of 'fun' and more consistency and better motivation make it a no-brainer if you make it a black and white choice. Looking at these personally I would do half hour of each if just considering health as a matter of exercise intensity as you seem to be. Form would be my favourite and i quite like walking. I wouldn't do the other one, I would just drill combos/ shadow box with footwork.
From that I would say, I'd change the walking to a jog/run for myself as that would be my minimum for exercise intensity. I walk to get out into a park and nature, breathe, contemplate that kind of thing.. For the physical systems the exercise intensity of these is the main factor so these 3 activities can be varied from jog pace to sprint pace.
A while back I did a particular walking meditation for a while and it was pretty great, it involved observation and memory recall. I mention it as for me walking although nice for physical and mental health/ wellbeing, is also (for me) a more suitable vehicle for other things. More like slow form in that sense..