Dedicated to the research, understanding and growth of Mindful Exercise for the health of mind and body.
Metarobics.org is an educational website, sharing information and research on how slow moving and stationary breath-focused mindful exercises may benefit health from a physiological and psychological perspective, unique from aerobic and anaerobic forms of exercise.
Mindful exercises and traditions have been used for a variety of chronic conditions, as well as for stress management and dealing with past trauma, including PTSD. There are also applications of mindfulness for building community and individual resilience.
Initial research is very promising, and further theory development and research may lead to some exciting avenues for a variety of health conditions.
NOTE: The information presented on Metarobics.org and in my books can give you something you can discuss with your doctor, but is no substitute for medical advice.
Yours in Health, Dr. Gryffin
For more information, contact Dr. Gryffin at: drgryffin@gmail.com
Metarobics.org is an educational website, sharing information and research on how slow moving and stationary breath-focused mindful exercises may benefit health from a physiological and psychological perspective, unique from aerobic and anaerobic forms of exercise.
Mindful exercises and traditions have been used for a variety of chronic conditions, as well as for stress management and dealing with past trauma, including PTSD. There are also applications of mindfulness for building community and individual resilience.
Initial research is very promising, and further theory development and research may lead to some exciting avenues for a variety of health conditions.
NOTE: The information presented on Metarobics.org and in my books can give you something you can discuss with your doctor, but is no substitute for medical advice.
Yours in Health, Dr. Gryffin
For more information, contact Dr. Gryffin at: drgryffin@gmail.com
Dr. Gryffins' book on Metarobic theory and mindful exercise is available your local bookseller, or for order at:
YMAA.com
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble
Books-a-Million
The study of Metarobic theory promises to create new opportunities for researching and promoting these exercises. As noted by Bill Douglas (noted author of four editions in several languages of a best-selling Tai Chi book, and founder of the world's largest Tai Chi & Qigong health education event, World Tai Chi & Qigong Day):
"I have seen two paradigm shifts that profoundly expanded global use of these extraordinary mind-body arts...and now Dr. Pete Anthony Gryffin's "Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi." This book can help open a portal that will in time see an increase to 20, 30, or even 60% of Americans using these highly effective tools..."
YMAA.com
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble
Books-a-Million
The study of Metarobic theory promises to create new opportunities for researching and promoting these exercises. As noted by Bill Douglas (noted author of four editions in several languages of a best-selling Tai Chi book, and founder of the world's largest Tai Chi & Qigong health education event, World Tai Chi & Qigong Day):
"I have seen two paradigm shifts that profoundly expanded global use of these extraordinary mind-body arts...and now Dr. Pete Anthony Gryffin's "Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi." This book can help open a portal that will in time see an increase to 20, 30, or even 60% of Americans using these highly effective tools..."
“A persuasive picture of tai chi’s healing effects bolstered by compelling data and enlivened by an array of personal testimonials.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Merges meditation and exercise ... may well lead to a new definition of optimal well-being.”
—Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, professor of neurology, Harvard Medical School; New York Times best-selling author of The Healing Self
“Will surely become ‘the prescription’ of choice for all responsible medical providers! I am enthusiastic about recommending it!”
—Roger Jahnke, OMD, author of The Healing Promise of Qi
“Mindful Exercise and the Metarobic approach opened my eyes, and they can open yours too.”
—Dr. John Day, author of The Longevity Plan
“A portal that will change the way tai chi and qigong are approached; modern medical science can join hands with these ancient mind-body sciences to become co-evolutionary.”
—Bill Douglas, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & Qigong
“Merges meditation and exercise ... may well lead to a new definition of optimal well-being.”
—Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, professor of neurology, Harvard Medical School; New York Times best-selling author of The Healing Self
“Will surely become ‘the prescription’ of choice for all responsible medical providers! I am enthusiastic about recommending it!”
—Roger Jahnke, OMD, author of The Healing Promise of Qi
“Mindful Exercise and the Metarobic approach opened my eyes, and they can open yours too.”
—Dr. John Day, author of The Longevity Plan
“A portal that will change the way tai chi and qigong are approached; modern medical science can join hands with these ancient mind-body sciences to become co-evolutionary.”
—Bill Douglas, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & Qigong
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Metarobics* is based on the research of Dr. Tony Gryffin, related to the need for a physiological understanding of how and why exercises such as Tai Chi (and forms of Yoga and Qigong focused on relaxation and the breath), resulted in benefits for health and chronic conditions. Based on feedback from the general public, researchers, and the medical field, there existed a need to understand mechanisms of benefits beyond concepts of “Qi” as “Vital Energy,” in order to better promote and understand these exercises. It is not the goal of Metarobic theory to replace nor undermine Traditional Chinese Medicine, but rather to establish support for a better physiological understanding of these exercises.
Underlying the basic premise of Metarobic theory, is if physiological benefits are being derived, then there are measurable physiological effects which can be measured and understood. From this understanding, exercises such as forms of Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga might be better prescribed, to maximize benefits for various chronic conditions. Metarobics comes from observations and research supporting benefits related to enhanced oxygen based metabolism, as well as the root of “Meta” as “superior.” Metarobics is focused on enhancing oxygen use in the body. Hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues) underlies or complicates a wide range of chronic conditions (including cancer, heart, lung and kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, compromised immunity, and more). Metarobics offers an evidence based theoretical construct, which future research will enhance understanding of, or reshape into new areas of understanding. The important thing is that Metarobics supports the need for a physiological understanding of the benefits of exercises for health and chronic conditions. |
Mission
One of my missions is to foster an evidence-based understanding of relaxation and breath focused exercises (which preliminary studies suggest may be neither aerobic nor anaerobic), to help increase the use of these exercises by the medical community and the general public. Metarobics.org provides information and resources to support investigation into a Metarobic understanding for optimal health, and to address the growing chronic health crises. This also includes benefits as a mindfulness based practice for enhanced psychological health. Goals To encourage research into a better understanding of mindful exercise (including forms of Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and other exercises with a focus on relaxation and the breath). To foster awareness in the public of how a Metarobic perspective may benefit various chronic conditions, and encourage adoption of these exercises in the mainstream, as well as at the workplace and other venues. To contribute to the development of mindful exercise (including Tai Chi and Yoga therapy) as a professional field, with greater opportunities for teachers for employment as a profession. |
ABOUT DR. GRYFFIN
Pete Anthony (Tony) Gryffin, PhD, MS, is an associate professor of community medicine at the Mercer University School of Medicine. The focus of his work is in the area of rural and community health, as well as mindful exercise, health behavior, and health motivation. Relevant to his work with mindful exercise, he has an extensive background in Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and Traditional Kung Fu. An award-winning book published on his work in this area, "Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi," has received powerful reviews from leaders in the field. Dr. Gryffin is a regular contributor, workshop presenter, and invited speaker for conferences, as well as for magazines and journals in the area of health and mindful exercise. Dr. Gryffin was an Alumni Fellow at the University of Florida, where he received his PhD. While teaching at Fullerton College, he developed eight new courses oriented around wilderness experiences and mindful exercise for the health of mind and body. He has also taught in hospital programs and prison education.
Pete Anthony (Tony) Gryffin, PhD, MS, is an associate professor of community medicine at the Mercer University School of Medicine. The focus of his work is in the area of rural and community health, as well as mindful exercise, health behavior, and health motivation. Relevant to his work with mindful exercise, he has an extensive background in Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and Traditional Kung Fu. An award-winning book published on his work in this area, "Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi," has received powerful reviews from leaders in the field. Dr. Gryffin is a regular contributor, workshop presenter, and invited speaker for conferences, as well as for magazines and journals in the area of health and mindful exercise. Dr. Gryffin was an Alumni Fellow at the University of Florida, where he received his PhD. While teaching at Fullerton College, he developed eight new courses oriented around wilderness experiences and mindful exercise for the health of mind and body. He has also taught in hospital programs and prison education.