2023-09-03 06:37:42
enjoy a long and active life It is the goal that we all set for ourselves, although there are places where it seems easier to achieve that goal than in others. China is popular for having the highest rates of longevity worldwidean achievement that they achieve thanks to the commitment of its citizens to follow healthy habits, although it must be recognized that some of them may surprise us.
[El secreto de los chinos para vivir más de 100 años: los alimentos de su dieta que deberíamos tomar en España]
In it fitness Asian trends do not stop reinventing themselves, and for a few months in the networks a exercise that stands out so much for its unusual character as for the age of those who practice it. Its about crocodile crawlinga sport that in Spanish is translated as the crocodile stepand that it has not taken long to go viral on TikTok and other platforms.
“My goodness, they look like reptiles!”, “I could not do that in public” or “China never ceases to amaze us” are some of the comments that can be read in the publications that present it. What does it consist of exactly? Surely you are already imagining it (and yes, you are on the right track).
What does it consist of?
Its name gives many clues about the way in which this curious exercise is carried out. Inspired by yoga movements and ancient military training techniques, those who perform this step must scroll in the floor, imitating the step of a moving crocodile and using the dragging of the arms and legs to advance.
A recent video of Sixth Tone publishes the scenes of a group of people walking synchronized “on all fours”. The participants are a group of fitness enthusiasts from the Equipo de Crocodile Walk de Xiangshan, in Jiangsu province. In the group, the oldest member has 68 years.
The alligator walk has been growing in popularity over the past few months, especially among the elderly. In Xiangshan, reveal the portalevery morning it is possible to run into this group of lovers of the “movement of the sauropsids”, who with their movements —perfectly synchronized— leave a curious postcard in the city. Zhu Jianliangleader of the group, explained in statements to CCTV that it all started two years ago, and since then “the team has managed to add more than 70 members“.
Why is it so popular?
Although at first glance it may seem like an unconventional activity, the truth is that it can give great results to those who do it. The reason for this is that it requires a combination of flexibility, strength and coordinationthree aspects that make this a complete and effective exercise.
In it crocodile step they get involved several muscle groups at once, making the body work more than it is used to. It is part of the routine of many athletes who, by focusing on movement and keeping the body stable, work on the ABS without hardly noticing.
Crocodile walking is practiced by the elderly but also by children who want to have fun crawling “like reptiles”. iStock
The peculiarity of this exercise is in the fistswhich offer a kind of support surface smaller and stronger. This makes the challenge more intense, but it is also very interesting as it shows an alternative form to the typical plank, and can help prevent muscle tension in the wrists.
Although it is not recommended, for example, for people with back problemsthe videos with which China has viralized the crocodile step They are surprising because people of different ages appear in them.
imitate the animal world
Actually, the crocodile walk is included in the list of quadruped movement activities, also known as primitive movements, a type of training that is inspired by the movement of animals.
The first researcher to take an interest in them was a professor at the University of Waterloo Stuart M. McGill, world reference in biomechanics of the back and promoter of the McGill method. It is a set of three functional movements that help optimize stability y reduce the risk of injury at the back of the body.
In his study, the academic presented the benefits of curl upthe side plate and the bird-dogin addition to advising other exercises such as cat-camel or the clam exercise. All of these exercises, plus the crocodile crawling that today is a trend thanks to social networks, activate the stabilizing muscles of the spine and help regain lost movement capabilities due to sedentary lifestyle.
1693731991
#unusual #exercise #practiced #elderly #China #stay #shape #reptiles