Step Lightly, Step Young

 

There is a time-tested expression in Korean that goes something like this, “Healthy legs, long life.”  And no wonder. Did you know that as much as thirty percent of the body’s muscle mass is concentrated in the legs? By contrast, the less muscle mass you have, the less energy you will have.

 

So, it should come as no surprise to those of us graying around the temples that when it comes to our natural, god-given “peddle power,” you either “use it or lose it.” In short, to be alive is to move.

Few would argue about the benefits of walking, after all exercise books and fitness programs are chock-a-block with its benefits, at any age.  But almost as important is the way we walk. And that’s where the word “Jangsaeng” comes into play.

World-renowned Brain Educator Ilchi Lee developed this style of walking, which essentially means “youthful longevity.” Lee postulates that a person can return their body and energy system to a more youthful state simply by walking in a more youthful way. And, in doing so, it will also activate the power of a person’s mental awareness, which will result in a boost to both body and brain.  

Early on, Lee noticed that young and old people have distinctively different ways of walking.  His notion was to reverse the “old man” walk, typified by the upper body leaning well forward, head back, and body weight decidedly on the heels.

Instead, the Jangsaeng gate has the body tilted slightly forward, while pressing on the balls of the feet, thereby redirecting energy away from the head and to the feet.  It’s the ultimate form of “putting a bounce in your step,” and one that can add years to your life.

Angles

Although the mind is important to the creation of a young energy age, one cannot ignore the body itself. Energy travels through the body in a definite way, and it only makes sense to work with it, not against it. For that reason, the Jangsaeng method advocastes specific angles of the body to consider when walking. You may be used to walking unconsciously, so at first this may seem a little burdensome. But after a little practice, it will become automatic and will feel completely natural.

Overview of Jangsaeng Walking Posture

The basic posture of Jangsaeng Walking is simple. Walking while focusing on these basic principles:

•     Tilt the lower part of your pelvis forward.
•     Breathe with your lower abdomen.
•     Let your heel tap the ground gently as you step forward, with a straight leg.
•     Feel your weight transfer fully to the balls (Yong-chun) and toes of your foot.
•     Keep your feet parallel, stepping on either side of an imaginary line.
•     Angle your body one degree forward.
•     Swing your arms freely.
•     Smile!