Safe, Sane Exercise for Seniors and Non-atheletes
Written by Martin Eisen, Ph. D.
According to traditional Chinese Medicine vigorous exercise may not be healthy. Recent research has indicated atherosclerosis prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors in marathon runners. Participating in strenuous exercise and good physical condition does not guarantee good health. Jean Claude Van Damme is suffering from hearing loss. A
old Schwarzenegger had a heart valve replacement
Unless you are a competing athlete, there is no need to use weights or special equipment to improve your health. Why do boring repetitions that can cause injury & eventually lead to osteoarthritis? Practice non-strenuous Qigong for health. For example, a recently discovered and clinically tested Qigong method produces weight loss without exercise, diet, pills or cost!! It only requires 1 minute of practice before each meal.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, heart surgeon, and the star of the TV show "The Doctor OZ Show" stated, "If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qigong."
Qigong (Chi Kung) for health is a Chinese medical therapy thousands of years old. It consists of mental as well as gentle physical maneuvering which simultaneously adjusts body posture, breathing, and the mind. Qigong is practiced by millions of people worldwide.
Conferences on the scientific study of Qigong have been held in the U.S. and China. Qigong has been shown to improve respiration, induce the relaxation response, causes favorable changes in blood chemistry, and produce changes in EEG indicating improved mental states Clinical trials have shown the efficacy of Qigong in reducing stress, delaying aging effects, prolonging life, preventing illness and curing many chronic diseases - in fact, it is helpful in about 200 diseases, ranging from the common cold to cancer.
Not only can Qigong increase longevity, but also the quality of life, preventing senility and sharpening the mind of seniors. One scientific survey of aged practitioners revealed that they were in good health and appeared younger than a second group of non-practitioners. Their average blood pressure was normal and 93% had normal hearing and good memories. The non-practicing elders had a higher average blood pressure, 25% had hypertension, 50% had vision problems, 76% had hearing problems and 35% had lost their ability to work. After doing Qigong for 5 months, 52% of them could work & made significant physiological improvements.
Trials in China and Sweden have shown that Qigong can improve the behavior of unruly students, increase their intelligence and improve their performance in sports as well as on academic tests.
Qigong for health is excellent for seniors or the physically challenged. It can be done lying, sitting or standing. Very little strength, flexibility and coordination are required, making it easier to learn and practice tha
Yoga, Pilates, Zumba or Tai Chi. It can be performed anytime, anywhere, and no special clothing or equipment is required.
Article author
About the Author
By profession, Dr. Eisen was a university Professor specializing in constructing mathematical models used for studying medical problems such as those in cancer chemotherapy and epilepsy.
He has studied Judo, Shotokan Karate, Aikido and Tai Chi. He taught Judo in a community center in Toronto. Dr. Eisen was the founder and chief-instructor of the Shotokan Karate Clubs at Carnegie-Mellon and Dusquene Universities and the University of Pittsburgh
He has taught Tai Chi at community centers in New Jersey, the Chinese Community School of South Jersey, Temple University, a Master's Dance Class at Glassboro State College and Triton High School and also Qigong at some of these locations. He taught a Qigong course at Lehigh U. He helped teach Yoga at Graterford Prison.
One of Master Mark's students introduced him to Master Mark and Praying Mantis. He found the system so interesting that he devoted most of his time only to this art. He taught Praying Mantis at Master Mark's School in Philadelphia and at Temple University. He became a Disciple of Master Mark and teaches Praying Mantis, Qigong and Tai Chi at the Cherry Hill branch of Master Mark's school.
Master Mark fostered his interest in acupuncture, herbology, Chinese massage and Qigong. He took correspondence courses in Chinese herbology and studied other branches of Chinese medicine with a traditional Chinese medical doctor. Dr. Eisen was the Director of Education of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Institute in Upper Darby, P.A.
Dr. Eisen has written many articles on Kung Fu, Qigong, Eastern exercise and Chinese medicine.
He was honored by the University of Pittsburgh in 2001, on the 35th anniversary of the introduction of Shotokan Karate, as the founder, for contributing to its growth, popularity and also to students’ character development. He was selected as one of the coaches for a world competition of the U.S. Wu Shu team in 2001. Dr. Eisen received meritorious awards from Temple University National Youth Sports program in 1980 and from Camden County College for participation in a student sport program in 1979. He was elected to the Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
A Gentle, Smart Reset for your Body after Pregnancy
Your body has done something amazing. Now itâs time to care for youâwithout pressure, extremes, or guilt. The Wellness Reset Guide is designed specifically for women after pregnancy who want to gently reduce belly fat, restore energy, and feel confident againâat their own pace. This is not about quick fixes. Itâs about simple daily habits that work with your body, not against it. Inside the Wellness Reset Guide, youâll discover: ⢠Easy, low-impact routines that su
February 26, 2026
Article
Why Most Diets Fail and How to Create Lasting Weight Loss Results
The Great Dieting Paradox Imagine a wide, winding road where millions of people are walking in the same direction, fueled by a mixture of hope and caffeine. This is the road of the "New Year, New Me" resolution. Most of these travelers are carrying heavy backpacks labeled with various diet names: some are cutting carbs, others are fasting by the clock, and some are replacing meals with colorful liquids. Initially, the energy is electric. The scale drops, the clothes loosen, a
February 18, 2026
Article
Foods That Can Help Lower Your Cortisol Levels and Make You Feel Calmer
Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. However, when cortisol levels remain high due to chronic stress, it can lead to anxiety, weight gain, poor sleep, and even heart problems. The good news is that certain foods can help lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Let's explore some of the best options. 1. Dark Chocolate Rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, dark c
September 6, 2025
Article
The 20-Calorie 'Pasta' That Ended My 3 PM Energy Crashes (And Helped Me Drop 15 Pounds)
You know that feeling around 3 PM when your energy just... disappears? One minute you're crushing your to-do list, the next you're staring at your computer screen wondering if it's socially acceptable to nap under your desk. For months, I blamed my schedule, my stress levels, even my coffee intake. Turns out, the real culprit was sitting right there on my lunch plate. The Carb Crash Cycle That's Sabotaging Your Day Here's what I didn't realize:
July 1, 2025