In Jungshin Fitness, the two practices are melded into one high-energy session. The trademark tool of Jungshin (“focused mind” in Korean) is a two-pound wooden sword. “You have to pay attention to where you’re striking,” says creator Annika Kahn, who teaches classes in the San Francisco Bay area, “so it really brings you into the present.” Try her 30-minute routine with a
practice sword
or even a broom handle. Do the fast-paced moves back-to-back, three times through, a few times a week, to uncover a calmer, leaner you — or, at the very least, to get in touch with your inner swashbuckler.
Meditative Cutting
What it does:
Works the back, core, glutes, and quads, andelevates the heart rate
How to do it:
Standing up straight, grip the bottom of the sword with both hands, dominant hand on top (similar to how you’d hold a bat), pointing the tip straight out in front of you. Pull the sword overhead (aligned with spine), then step your left foot forward and bend into a lunge position. Strike the sword in front of you, stopping when it’s parallel to the floor. Use your core to pull the left foot back and repeat on the other side: sword up, step forward, strike, foot back. Do 20 reps (10 on each side), going as quickly as you can while maintaining good form.
