Dragon Ass

[shanmonster]

Someone recently asked me what dragons are (in the kung fu sense). It's an exercise I do a few times a week, a couple hundred at a time. First of all, I start off in a low horse stance, like this kiddo is doing (except with toes pointing forward rather than at 45-degree angles):

From there, I move into a pose something like this still from The Matrix: Reloaded, except the soles of both feet are flat on the floor. Admittedly, it's probably pretty much impossible to keep both soles on the floor if you're wearing clunky PVC boots, so I'll cut Trinity a bit of slack. Also, my hands move in defensive/offensive sweeping motions throughout the exercise.

That is one dragon. Going back into horse stance, and then into the low side stance again makes two. Typically, I do around two or three hundred of these every Tuesday and Thursday. I think it's why I've suddenly been able to substantially up my weights on the hip abductor machine.

Comments

[pumagirl.livejournal.com]

Holy crap!

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

When I first started doing them, just two or three was tiring. Now the first few dozen are a piece of cake!

[pumagirl.livejournal.com]

yummmm... cake.

[slybootz.livejournal.com]

Do you use these as part of a more extensive workout regimen? As strength training, or warming up? I'm looking for some solid routines that help improve stamina and energy (I also dance) that don't involve much gym equipment since I hate the gym (and couldn't afford a membership even if I did enjoy it). When I've got a couple more bucks comming in, I would like to sign up for some martial arts training, I'm much too soft (wing flaps are just not attractive at any age). :)

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

These are interspersed throughout a typical kung fu class, once we're already warmed up. It helps with strength, and also, apparently, with flexibility if my splits are any indication.

I highly recommend martial arts for fitness. Most of the styles I've trained in have been excellent this way, and for cross-training as a dancer. Try out a few sample classes at different schools to see what appeals to you.

[slybootz.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice :)

[pivyca.livejournal.com]

What speed do you do these?

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

About one per second, roughly.

[dancing-gator.livejournal.com]

Neat! I am inspired.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I can't wait until tomorrow's class!