An award-winning neuroscientist with a deep appreciation for the rewards and benefits of teaching, Wendy Suzuki discusses her research, and the teachers who inspired her. Wendy Suzuki holds a faculty position in the Center for Neural Science at New York University, where she also runs an active research lab. Her research focuses on understanding the patterns of brain activity underlying long-term memory as well as the role of aerobic exercise in improving learning, memory and cognition.
About TEDx, x=independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.*
Video Source: TEDx by Wendy Suzuki on Exercise and the Brain
Inspired by videos we’ve just shared in the AsiaFitnessToday TV Channel, we delve into movement exercises required to prepare for your weekend at the snowfields. Depending on the individual’s weight and height, leisurely snowboarding can help burn from 200 to 600 calories per hour for an adult under 90KGs. Go competitive and you could be burning triple of that! What this also means, is that your body will be undergoing intense workout while snowboarding, and ideally, a solid 4-6 weeks of preparation should get your ready for that spurt.
Muscles used while snowboarding
Firstly, let’s understand the types of muscles you’ll be using while snowboarding. Naturally strong muscles will help you last longer on the slopes. You’ll be using your quadriceps, calves and ankles for snowboarding. Your back will be at test too. Prior to a ski trip, it’s advisable to undergo some weight training to strengthen your hamstrings, thighs and arm muscles as well as strengthening your core. Some people head to cycling gyms to prepare their leg muscles. Here are some essential workouts to help in your preparation:
1. Up and down jump squats
Squat down in position, then jump for the skies with arms wide open then land with your knees bent. Do this to help build power thighs for tackling big jumps.
2. Core strengthening exercises
Let’s work the obliques and abs area, since you’ll be using a lot of that area while navigating the snow. The medicine ball rotational throw is one of the most effective ones. Stand away from a wall with your shoulders facing the wall. Allow for about 2-3 feet. Hold a medicine ball, then twist your torso to throw the ball against the wall. Catch it when it comes back to you and repeat. To avoid injury, make sure you’re mentally and physically ready before throwing the ball. Be mindful, take your time, and strengthen your core (abs) muscles just as you’re about to throw.
3. Stationary Cycling
Riding helps to build endurance in your legs and stamina overall.
AsiaFitnessToday highly recommends working with a certified fitness trainer and keep safety first when working out.
Origin of snowboarding
Australian Darren Powell defied the laws of kinetic energy in 1999 when he recorded a top speed of 202 kilometers per hour at Les Arcs Resort, France. What a lot of people may not know, is that snowboarding was initially two skis strapped together by an engineer called Poppen in Michigan, USA. He attached a string to steer and it was called snufing – a combination of skiing and surfing.
Family bonding time at the snowfields
In a WhatsApp interview, Sydney-based business owner/restaurateur Madeleine Cheah shares that her family enjoys leisurely skiing, long walks and hikes as they work hard throughout the year in the hospitality industry. Vacations like these bring her family together and offers a nice respite from running their busy restaurants and cafes in Australia. Despite nursing a back injury and her husband his painful knees, both are determined to kick their heels back and enjoy the beautiful powdery snowfields of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, surrounded by France, Italy and Switzerland. Lying at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summits in the Alps, this area is renowned for its skiing.
Thanks to the Luongs – Madeleine, Hieu, Andy and Matthew for these amazing photos and videos from their recent skiing and snowboarding vacation to Chamonix Mont Blanc!
We’ve been researching the correlation between rhythm, movement and wellness, so we come across quite a lot of interesting content produced by people from all walks of life! Movement doesn’t need to fall within the traditional sense of ‘fitness’ or confined to a gym setting. We love the fact that this was shot outdoors, right in public. That freedom of movement is simply so beautiful. Enjoy!
A Movement.
Filmed on location in Paris, MMXVII
FEATURING. Jojo Prida
DIR. Matthew K. Firpo (MKF.tv)
PROD. Magna Carta (MagnaCarta.tv)
DOP. Todd Martin (ToddMartinFilms.com)
CO. Carlos Flores (CarlosFloresFilms.com)
S. Carol Konká “Boa Noite”
Paris, 2017
They launched this earlier last month, and there will be new episodes each week – with guided meditations.
This episode embraces the topic on change as together with Karena, you can make positive changes! Start out by finding a quiet, comfortable space where there are no distractions. I always like to burn a candle or some sage. Begin by finding a comfortable position.You can sit cross-legged on the ground or lie down on your back, palms facing up. Gently close your eyes and start to focus on your breath. Let’s begin! ♥
There’s no other way to describe this project than pure love. We believe, it is from that space, of wanting to share the beautiful sounds to depict our human species, that both filmmaker Yann Arthus-Bertrand and music composer Armand Amar have produced this magnificent film. Although released back in 2015, the film isn’t dated at all, nor is the music.
This also links us to Asia Fitness Today’s research and interest in the topic; Humans, Rhythm and Movement. Movement is essential to human evolution and a key element in survival.
Intrigued and curious, we visited their official website: http://www.human-themovie.org to discover more about the film. And it was a delightful treasure trove that we delved into!
We also selected this Making Of Interviews, video to share, just to show the magnitude of work, number of hours put into realising this project.
Since a young boy, film director Yann Arthus-Bertrand had used a camera to document his observations and accompany his writings. The turning point, was at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 when Yann embarked upon a major photographic project about the state of the world and its inhabitants. It was titled Earth From Above and the book sold more than three million copies. Years later, Yann created the GoodPlanet Foundation and the non-profit organization has been investing in educating people about the environment and the fight against climate change. He was appointed United Nations Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador in 2009 and that year, he made his first feature-length film, HOME, about the state of the planet. This movie was seen by almost 600 million spectators around the world.
“I am one man among seven billion others. For the past 40 years, I have been photographing our planet and its human diversity, and I have the feeling that humanity is not making any progress. We can’t always manage to live together.
Why is that?
I didn’t look for an answer in statistics or analysis, but in man himself.”
Yann Arthus-Bertrand
“It is too late to be a pessimist. Taking action builds happiness!”
Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Regardless of our condition or situation, every single one of us can play a role and contribute to a fairer and more harmonious society. Whether we are male, female, young, old, married, divorced, single, orphan, poor, rich, disabled, our opportunities to act are endless. Whether it is through associative work or simple actions, there are many simple gestures to take and stories to live to help us fulfil ourselves and build tomorrow’s humanity.
Enjoy watching HUMAN, the movie.
This article has been edited for Asia Fitness Today from the official website.
