Charles writes: "I have a question about Karate, is it considered New Age? Many people send their children to Karate for discipline, confidence, and self-esteem and they say it helps them so much! What are your thoughts on this?"
CF writes: "I live in an over 55 community that is constantly promoting yoga and other 'fitness' programs. The newest program being offered to the seniors is the Feldenkrais Method . . . Are you familiar with this method of fitness? Is this another 'New Age' type program? I looked on the website and it sure looks like one to me. What concerns me the most is that no “religious” activities are allowed at the Club House, no services or Bible studies, yet they offer several of these “yoga” type programs. Would you be so kind as to help me address this?”
CB asks: "Someone recently asked me if Martial Arts was included in the New Age, in particular the Kyokushin Karate method. He knows someone heavily involved in this and wanted to find out if there was a problem with it. Could you please let me know if you have a booklet on this aspect, or any information about whether this is dangerous to The Catholic Faith?"
(Image courtesy of Wikicommons Media, Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0)ST writes: "With all the new age classes;{yoga, tai chi, pilates), and martial arts;(tai chi, karate), and SWAT taking place at the YMCA and any health club I've looked into, I avoid going to them even to ride a stationary bike or walk on the treadmill. People think I'm crazy, but I don't want to be in an environment that will put my soul in danger. That is most important. I was told by a priest that as long as I don't participate in these classes, that it would be OK to work out in these facilities. I'm not feeling that he is correct. What do you think?"
Many people who want to avoid the religious baggage of yoga and are searching for non-yoga based exercises ask me what is the difference between isometric exercise and yoga.
KP writes: “I do not practice yoga or Pilates but have become aware of a new class at my gym that interests me. Can you please let me know if PIYO is OK for Catholics? I have watched videos of it online and it is not like yoga at all.”
MR writes: “I am careful to avoid yoga but these balance classes have been incorporated recently into our CURVES circuit. Originally, the gym manager said they were yoga. When I said I objected to yoga, she quickly changed her tune and called them "balance" classes. They seem to incorporate "tree poses" and other yoga like positions. I am wondering if you have heard about this, have some thoughts about this. All positions are standing but I am not comfortable if it is truly yoga. Any thoughts?"
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