Reflexology Mat Walking: High Intensity Walking

Is there such a thing as high intensity walking, cobblestone reflexology mat walking that produces quicker health results than usual walking? 

First, we note the idea of the high intensity workout. Much has been made recently about the value of high-intensity interval training. The idea is: use intervals of high intensity exercise in a shorter amount of time to get the same results as moderate exercise for a greater amount of time. 

Researchers at McMaster University showed that 10 minutes of cycling with high intensity all-out intervals (three of 20 seconds) sandwiched around regular cycling (2 minutes) equaled the health results of 45 minutes of moderate cycling, achieving results 5 times faster over a 12 week period. Both workouts included a 2-minute warm-up and 3-minute cool down. Insulin sensitivity and cardio respiratory fitness were among measurements compared.

It may just be that reflexology mat walking is a form of high intensity walking. Consider the research. In the well known Oregon Research Institute study, study participants who walked on a cobblestone reflexology mat for 45 minutes 3 times a week for 4 months lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 4.75 mm Hg. more than those who walked the same amount on a flat surface. Other studies have shown that walking 10,000 steps a day for 3 months helped study participants lower their diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8 mm Hg.

We’ve done the numbers: walking on a cobblestone reflexology mat lowers blood pressure more than twice as fast as walking on a flat surface. Cobblestone mat walking: 454 minutes per 1 mm Hg. of lowered diastolic blood pressure. Walking on a flat surface: 1050 minutes per 1 mm Hg. of lowered diastolic blood pressure. (Calculated on estimates that it takes 100 minutes to walk 10,000 steps.)

http://www.fitter1.com/Cobblestone-Walkway_p_309.html

Un-Sit Your Life http://tinyurl.com/un-sit-your-lifehttp://tinyurl.com/un-sit-your-life

Stone for Building Reflexology Paths

China Reflexology Path

To build a cobblestoned reflexology path, you need rocks. Providing stone appropriate for paths is a part of doing business for companies that sell stone. They advertise their wares by noting not only the benefits of “fitness walking” but also that the activity will be more effective is the right stones are chosen.

Nanjing Stone notes on its Web site: “Selection of materials is the key to successful fitness walking, according to the physical condition of materials to choose their own fitness, fitness effects will be more effective.… “The foot of the nervous system is rich in many important points in the soles of the feet, if effective massage to stimulate the soles of the feet, can promote blood circulation, help digestion, improvability to respond to heart, liver, lung, gallbladder, stomach, bladder and kidneys is very benefits, especially for the benefits of a larger brain system.”


Part 3 The “Smart Cobblestone Road” / Reflexology Mat



Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz 

Latest in Reflexology Paths Part 1

© cozyta. Image from BigStockPhoto.com.

What’s new in the reflexology paths of China? For one thing, the rocks underfoot are now touted for their qualities. Walking on the paths has been refined with contra indications noted for those who should not participate in such “fitness walking.” Also new is a generation of cobblestone mats with questions raised for promises made for use of the “smart,” “intelligent” mats.

Reflexology paths, cobblestoned walking surfaces, are found throughout Asia. The beneficial pressure of reflexology is provided by gravity’s pull as one walks on a surface of cobblestones or other rocks. In China the tradition of Tap Shek (stone stepping) is now a part of the country’s 10-year Fitness Health Plan. It is a “fashionable fitness activity” with senior citizens eagerly lining up to take their turns at walking on paths in city parks. When it rains, the Chinese roll out the cobblestone-like surface of a reflexology mat.

Research confirms the health benefits. In a study frequently noted in Chinese articles about reflexology paths, Oregon Research Institute scientists compared walking on a usual surface to walking on a cobblestone mat. They found that the older adult mat-walking participants experienced a reduction in blood pressure and pain as well as an increased feeling of control over falls.

The Reflexology Path Kit

Part 2 Next- Stone for Building Reflexology Paths

Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com

http://www.dk.com/reflexology

Tweet me @twitter.com/footreflexology

Facebook www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz