1 . Tai chi, a traditional, slow-moving form of Chinese physical exercise, is known to increase flexibility and improve balance. New research has been conducted to determine whether tai chi has an influence on lowering blood pressure in people with prehypertension (高血压前期).
In the study, Chinese scientists put 342 adults with prehypertension into two groups. The average age of people taking part in the study was 49. About half the participants (参与者) took part in aerobic exercise, including jogging, climbing stairs and cycling. The other half was trained to practice tai chi. Both groups got hour-long exercises four times a week.
Nearly 22% of the people who practiced tai chi saw their blood pressure fall to be normal, compared with nearly 16% of people in the aerobic exercise group. And fewer patients in the tai chi group went on to develop high blood pressure than patients in the aerobic exercise group.
So what is it about tai chi that helps lower blood pressure? “The practice tends to get more of a response from the parasympathetic (副交感的) nervous system, which is the network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress or danger,” says Ruth Taylor-Piliae, a professor at the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing.
“I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don’t have to have a special gym membership, you don’t have to have special clothing,” Taylor-Piliae says. “Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime and anyplace. And it does provide a calming and relaxing effect.”
Evidence suggests it can also help protect against cognitive fall and even improve memory. But you have to practice it continually to get the most benefit.
1. What is the function of paragraph 1?A.To offer some examples. | B.To explain a definition. |
C.To introduce the topic. | D.To give people suggestions. |
A.They were divided into two groups. | B.They suffered from heart disease. |
C.They were 49 years old. | D.They got exercises five times a week. |
A.It can make people calm down. |
B.It requires training and specialized equipment. |
C.It has no influence on the parasympathetic nervous system. |
D.It is suitable for individuals with aerobic exercise experience. |
A.A Traditional Sport | B.The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise |
C.Exploring Chinese Physical Exercise | D.Managing Blood Pressure with Tai Chi |
2 . The holidays can be a difficult time to stay on track with your fitness goals.
Planning is the best way to make sure you don’t lose track of your goals. Plan your workouts for the week and mark them in your schedule to assure they are a part of your day.
Exercise early.
Keep moving.
Research shows that getting up for just five minutes every 30 to 60 minutes and performing light activities reduces the risk of heart disease risk factors. Small efforts to get moving can help your overall health during the holidays. In addition to staying active, try to avoid sitting for long periods of time, such as when watching football games or eating.
Think out of the box.
The holidays are busy, but do your best to avoid the “all or nothing” mentality when it comes to physical activity.
A.Plan ahead |
B.Plan out your route before you go |
C.Exercising in the morning is one of the biggest tips |
D.Remember: too much sitting is harmful to your health |
E.Your schedule will be filled with family gatherings and celebrations |
F.Get creative with exercise and make physical activity a family affair |
G.Rather than skipping the gym altogether, make time for a quick workout |
1. How did the man learn to do skateboarding at first?
A.By taking a few lessons. | B.By watching some videos. | C.By asking his cousin for help. |
A.Around the city square. | B.On the basketball court. | C.By the beach. |
A.Cycle. | B.Jog. | C.Swim. |
A.To train for a skateboard competition. |
B.To visit children’s skateboard camps. |
C.To take part in a skateboard advert. |
1. What is one problem with arm exercises?
A.They won’t make your arms thinner. |
B.They could damage arm muscles. |
C.They can raise one’s blood pressure. |
A.By talking to an expert. |
B.By reading an article. |
C.By attending an exercise class. |
A.Exercising the entire body. |
B.Cycling instead of walking. |
C.Wearing leg weights. |
1. What is the relationship between the speakers?
A.Husband and wife. | B.Teacher and student. | C.Friends. |
A.Advantages of playing sports. | B.School life. | C.Families. |
A.She feels lonely. | B.She is overweight. | C.She can’t focus in class. |
1. What sport does Frank like playing?
A.Football. | B.Basketball. | C.Baseball. |
A.Excited. | B.Nervous. | C.Bored. |
A.Applying for a tennis club. | B.Looking for a partner. | C.Preparing for a match. |
1. Why did the woman quit her school basketball team?
A.She was badly injured. |
B.She was bad at playing basketball. |
C.She had to spend more time on her studies. |
A.Once. | B.Twice. | C.Three times. |
A.Swimming. | B.Tennis. | C.Running. |
1. What does the woman say about Kingswell Sports Club?
A.It is a tennis club. | B.It owns a keep-fit studio. | C.It has a football team. |
A.In a salad bar. | B.In a restaurant. | C.At a swimming pool. |
A.Football teammates. |
B.Manager and club member. |
C.Receptionist and customer. |
A.It can make legs slim. |
B.It can make you put on weight. |
C.It can build up the body. |
A.Stay inside. | B.Do more exercise. | C.Take some medicine. |