Boost your memory, posture with frog jumps

Jul 04, 2011

FROG jumps — not a new word to our ears. And they are not just childish games, either. Also known as Wa Tia in Chinese, the “frog” part of the exercise suggests one moving in the same way as the frog does, apparently.<br>

By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
FROG jumps — not a new word to our ears. And they are not just childish games, either. Also known as Wa Tia in Chinese, the “frog” part of the exercise suggests one moving in the same way as the frog does, apparently.

Just like any other exercises, frog jumps have some rules and its imperative to note that they are a serious form of exercising. It is high intensity aerobic workouts that can be done in the convenience of your sitting room or compound, explains David Tyaba, a tennis coach at Makerere University.

“Despite the simplicity of the exercise, some times frog jumps might require a coach,” Tyaba says. Adding that by jumping from a sitting position, one is required to jump forward and swing up their hands in the air.

While the arms are tacked away from your body, the body has to maintain a straight position (from the fingers to the toes.)

However Dr.Oringa Okello a sports physician in Kampala says before anybody engages in frog jumping, its wise they first get a body check-up. For instance, he says one might be suffering from high blood pressure or have a history of knee injury or osteoporosis (hollow bones that can easily fracture).

Therefore, a medical examination is worthwhile because high jumping can be dangerous to vulnerable knees Dr. Oringa advises.

In addition, Oringa stresses that for effectiveness of the exercise, one is required to eat healthy so that they have enough energy to burn. For instance, one can burn over 800 calories in a 30-minute intensive frog jumping exercise.

When done routinely, the exercise helps check and manage weight gain problems.

“Because of the assurance of the exercise, most people, especially those recovering from sickness are able to start the exercise with minimal steps. This helps them get quick energy that also boosts their movement or body coordination affected by sickness,” Oringa adds.

People with back and knee pains can heal gradually by doing frog jumps in a regulated way.

According to Tyaba a fitness coach, frog jumps trace their origin from China. This form of exercise is practiced by the martial artists and atheletes. He says the body with its function is evident however when combined with frog jumps, health benefits are immeasurable.

Benefits of frog jumping
It regulates body metabolism thus enabling the body to retain or push out unnecessary substances.

It burns body fats thus maintaining a healthy body (free from obesity and diabetes).

When done routinely, frog jumps enhance a good memory.
Being a form of fun games for both children and adults, stress is nipped in the bud when one frog jumps.

It enhances good sleep since one sweats and releases body toxins.
l Frog jumping relieves legs of pain and stiffness. This creates overall body relaxation and fitness.

How to do frog jumps
“It is important to note that frog jumps need a smooth and hazardous free surface. This is to protect the person doing the frog jumps from injuries,” explains David Bogere, a fitness trainer in Kampala.

He gives some of the steps you can follow to do frog jumping successfully:
In a sitting position put your hands behind you hips.

Leaping like a frog, swing your arms forward up and jump forward as far as you can at the same time.
Straighten the entire body especially, the knees, elbows, fingers and toes.

Land on your feet and sit down while you strike out your arms another time.
Continue jumping to the next frog jump with out major stops.

Note:
1. Landing the jump frogs on your heels is bad for your knees yet this is when your jumps go further and become more intense.

2. Sitting too far with relaxed quads is also bad for the knees. But, landing on your toes protects the joints.

1. At least 15 frog jumps should be done in a row for one to benefit both physically and internally.

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