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METRO WORKOUT

Form, structure and therapy

Is structural engineering restricted to construction of buildings and vehicles? Not so, says Veerabadran, who has ‘appropriated’ the term for his unconventional ‘medical’ practice.

First and foremost, he teaches martial arts with a special focus on Shaolin Kung Fu. Along the way, he discovered that a guided practice of martial arts makes for a perfectly structured body.

Having devised and presented a unique fitness model based on his knowledge of various martial arts, he received a doctorate from the College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida.

Having been provided this information about the U.S.-based Veerabadran, I expect something radically different from the combat-based therapeutic workouts I have done so far.

Veerabadran does not disappoint me. He teaches me an ‘L & V’ exercise which is about having fun and getting fit, at the same time. The step is rooted in Tai Chi, but can be learnt by just about anyone without much effort. Following instructions, I make my right arm resemble an ‘L’ and my left a ‘V’.

I take one step forward with my right leg. Next, I make my left arm ‘L-shaped’ and my right ‘V-shaped’. This means I have to put my left leg forward.

I keep moving around in different directions by switching between these orders.

When both my arms are ‘V-shaped’, I am allowed to move my body either way.

This exercise is good for the knees, the hip and the back.

I begin another exercise standing with one foot crossed over the other.

In this position, I have to swing my arms as if I were walking.

The benefit of this unusual fitness activity — greater balance and speed.

His cure for tired fingers and arms does wonders for a colleague suffering from a work-related upper limb disorder.

The method, which primarily involves placing the stretched fingers of one hand over those of the other and pushing both hands to and fro by applying pressure with the upper hand, is also remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome.

He addresses another problem faced by people confined to desks. Due to sloppy postures and sitting positions, the body is not centred properly.

Stretching his legs and resting his palms on them, he bends and moves his head over his knees in succession. He also shows how this exercise can be practised sitting in the chair.

Veerabadran has craved out another set of exercises, mostly from Shaolin Kung Fu, to prepare athletes for their sports.

For details about U.S.-based Veerabadran’s unique method, talk to his local contact person on 9840458191.

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