Shim Yuk – A practice to engage the mind and body
Health and fitness enthusiasts often are on the search for the next best fitness gadget to take them to the next challenge or maybe just increase variety in their routine. For hundreds of years and probably more, martial arts has offered a wide spectrum of what is today marketed as flow-yoga, Cross Fit, function training, high intensity training (HIT) and others. Usage of simple apparatus that can be obtained from Home Depot or other retailers can offer unlimited options to achieve whatever fitness levels are desired, without ridiculous membership fees or equipment costs. An example of how our culture still thinks that we can buy our way to wellness, is paying $1500-$3000 for a stationary exercise bike when $50 worth of odds and ends can do the job (and often better). Either way, YOU have to do the work to achieve YOUR fitness, wellness and relative happiness.
Unique to this exercise called “Shim Yuk”, is the body posture combined with holding a weighted object and the extra awareness required to hold it stable while also maintaining the correct body alignments. By holding the pole level, moving only the hands and wrists, the fascia trains, the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems are all engaged throughout the entire body. Theories abound regarding the activation of our inherit ability to heal our own illnesses, also known as “vis medicatrix”. Exercises like this, engage our mind, body and spirit thereby, helping to engage “the healing power of nature”.
Developing a strong grip is directly relative to preventing falls.
The strength of ones grip when they begin to lose their balance, can be the difference between free-falling to the ground and potential bone fracture, or catching ones balance by grabbing a rail or other stationary structure. Shim Yuk practice definitely goes way beyond being just a hand/wrist strengthening exercise. However, this exercise will produce phenomenal hand and wrist strength if practiced diligently.
Try to hold the static position while performing the wrist exercise, from 1, 2, 3, etc. consecutive repetitions. Holding the stance generally develops overall strength where as repetitive rolling develops stamina, endurance and determination. Relax the body into the positions in spite of any tension in the muscles. Deep and relaxed breathing is essential while performing this exercise.
From my experience of over 40 years of martial arts, fitness and wellness training and teaching, I have seen some amazing benefits coming from shim yuk practice. For those in fairly good shape, one can develop an amazing amount of strength in the wrists, forearms, shoulders, lower back and the legs. I have also trained individuals that have had more serious issues such as cerebral palsy, knee injuries, severe trauma to the spine and hip and other ailments that have shown great improvement.
Strong bones prevent fractures from falls, osteopenia and osteoporosis
Shim Yuk practice strengthens muscles which consequently strengthens bones, which helps to prevent osteopenia (bone loss) and osteoporosis (severe bone density loss). Wolff’s Law states that bones become stronger and thicker over time to resist forces placed upon them and weaker and thinner if there are no forces to act against. This principle is important for preventing injuries. Thicker bones are harder to break.
Learning from information on the internet, from video or books can be good. However, to truly get proper instruction, in-person training is usually the best method. Contact me if you have a desire to learn this methods correctly.
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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises
Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
Jim Moltzan
407-234-0119
www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan
United Martial Arts Association 