A New Year’s Resolution That is Both Fun and Healthy

Submitted by Jo Gardner
December 30, 2020

As the year 2020 draws to a close, thoughts of New Year’s resolutions come to mind.  If the ghosts of incomplete past resolutions haunt you, maybe this year, it’s time to make a resolution that is both fun and healthy.  If becoming more fit, healthier and feeling better sounds good, read on.

Grandmaster Mark Shuey, original founder of Cane Masters Inc., North Lake Tahoe Martial Arts, and The American Cane System, broadcasts yoga and Cane System techniques.  You can subscribe to these virtual dojo sessions for different periods to enjoy live and recorded martial arts training sessions.  Group sessions will train subscribers in several cane based martial art systems, using a cane for self-defense and fitness.  Even if you aren’t physically fit to start, you can participate in the American Cane System. (Check with your health professional before you start).  The techniques that are featured can be carried out from a standing, sitting, or prone position.  The American Cane System is designed around the mobility challenged.  Still, the techniques are great for any adult who is interested in martial arts, Taekwondo or in wellness.  The good news is that there are lots of benefits from training in martial arts.

Improve Heart Health

In Grand Master Shuey’s sessions, you will be working out your cardiovascular system.  At first, you may not even realize you are exerting yourself, but you will soon feel the benefits.  The American Cane System includes modified aerobic training, which is designed for less mobile adults.  When you engage in this training, your stamina and flexibility increase in relation to your dedication to the discipline. The more you put into practice of the featured techniques, the more your cardiovascular health will benefit.  As your fitness improves, your heart rate and blood pressure decrease, improving heart health.

Improve Mood and Stress Levels

Studies show activity helps relieve stress and improve mental health.  Endorphins released during exercise boost moods for hours after training.  In the American Cane System, self-awareness and breathing control that you develop boost this benefit.  As you focus on the training, distractions melt away.  Studies done on senior students of martial arts report reduction in anxiety and tension.  Participants experience stress relief during workouts.

Improved Self-Confidence

Especially those who are mobility challenged struggle with lost confidence.   No one likes to feel weak or defenseless.  The strength and agility gained through the American Cane System training, generates a whole new level of self-confidence.  As students become stronger, learn that they can defend themselves and regain lost flexibility and stamina, it is natural that the self-confidence will follow.  It is a great feeling to know that you are gaining independence and feeling better than you have for a long time.

Self Defense

Many of the techniques you will learn are self defense movements.  The system includes self defense with a cane and without a cane.  Where once you may have seen a cane or walking stick as a sign of weakness, it will become one of many newfound strengths.  You can learn how to avoid being a victim and become a sign of strength and independence.  It is a great feeling to know what to do if attacked when you take a walk in your own neighborhood.

As New Year’s resolutions go, subscribing to the American Cane System may just be the most fun way to fulfill this year’s resolution to feel better, watch your health and improve your fitness.  Contact Grand Master Mark Shuey today or call him direct at 775-772-9471 for information on pricing and packages.