I was recently carrying my sleeping 3 month old in a baby bjorn (a chest front baby carrier for those without kids) and I had some time to kill, so I thought what the hell I'll try some Zhan Zhuang and Yang style form while carrying her. Even though my 3 month old is only 12 lbs I could feel a greater amount of preasure put on my back as I had to continually compensate for the extra weight on my chest.

A few thoughts occurred from this...

1. Hugely over weight people with large bellys must have to use their backs more to compensate for the extra weight on the front.

2. I don't know if there are any benefits from such unbalanced weighted form and stance training (other than a good way to "rock" my baby to sleep).

3. The possible damage this kind of thing can do.

So, I have some questions for Tim and others. Are there any possible martial gains from such unbalanced weighted training if one manages to counter balance the weight? Or is it just a recipe for disaster? Is this strengthening or tightening the back muscles in a productive or counter productive manor (for something like stand up grappling)?

Thanks,

Craig

Hi Craig,

I'd recommend evenly distributing the weight (a weighted vest for example) if you want to add resistance to your stance training.

You should ask your wife what it was like to have that much weight in front for so long, I'll bet she'd advise against it.

Thanks, Tim.

I think I'll pass on asking my wife... I remember her discomfort, and I think she'd be offended if she thought that I didn't remember it.

Craig, that IS a good choice, happy training

Craig,
Using a few bungee cords (one around your hips the others looped through a burlap sack) you can fashion a hammock which would let the baby snooze between your knees so their weight will enhance the feeling of sinking your dan tien.

I found that worked great for me during my short career as a Manny. Just be careful when doing the lotus kick because if the infant is not hanging on they could roll down the side of a canyon.

B#2

Thanks, Bob#2,

Your expert opinion on baby resistance training is a real eye opener.

wait tells she's 9, then that will be a work out.