MIND-BODY
Theory into practice “W
Amanda Baker investigates how much of an impact new research findings have on the way mind-body classes are delivered in gyms
hy not try some gentle exercise, like yoga or tai chi?” Happily, this is a conversation that’s starting to occur more frequently between doctors
and patients in GP practices throughout the UK. This is perhaps unsurprising given the wealth of scientifi c research regularly published in highly regarded journals by eminent scientists – research that demonstrates the numerous benefi ts of mind-body classes, from reducing high blood pressure to managing diabetes and heart disease. But is this research being translated by fi tness industry
training providers for use by instructors in a class format? Is it possible to move from the theoretical to the practical realm, and is it appropriate to do so? Cathy Spencer-Browning, vice president of programming
and training at group exercise specialist MOSSA, clearly believes so: MOSSA has produced member marketing campaigns for clubs that feature research fi ndings from the Mayo Clinic. In addition, she explains: “It’s vitally important that clubs and instructors communicate the benefi ts of mind-body classes. Often instructors are delivering the exercises and movements, but not coaching the benefi ts. In our system, in addition to coaching execution, we focus on coaching the ‘why’ so the participant understands the far-reaching benefi ts of the movements.” But what exactly is the ‘why’ for the various disciplines,
and do these infl uence the way a class is delivered? We take a look at just a few of the many pieces of research into mind-body techniques, and ask if and how these might be applied in a class setting.
TAI CHI
Research In a review of 26 published studies examining the effectiveness of tai chi for high blood pressure, 85 per cent showed a reduction in blood pressure. Yeh GY, Wang C, Wayne PM, et al. The effect of tai chi exercise on blood pressure: a systematic review. Prev Cardiol. 2008; 11:82-89.
Comment
Matthew Rochford Director, Tai Chi Nation
“D
uring our instructor training courses,
the project our students undertake specifically asks them to look at research, quoting sources. Over the
Tai chi helps lower blood pressure
years I’ve also been party to other forms of research fi rst-hand. For example, one of my students was a nursing student. She measured the participants’ blood pressure before and after the class and demonstrated that practising tai
70 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
It’s important to coach members, not just lead a class
chi reduced blood pressure. To a large extent this qualifi ed what we already knew from our own experience and anecdotal evidence, from individuals who came to our classes. “However, it’s also crucial not to
get carried away by research and make claims that might give class participants false expectations. “In 16 years of teaching tai chi, I’ve
found that the participant’s experience – rather than their age or any research into specifi c conditions they might have – has more of an impact on the way I teach them. Tai chi has an ‘internal’ approach – over time, students begin to understand tai chi from the inside out. “The issue is how you teach a beginner
and how they develop at their own pace, and less about research. It’s important participants are informed about what’s being taught, but it isn’t the main thing.”
August 2014 © Cybertrek 2014
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