Hopewood favourites – Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a type of martial art very well known for its defence techniques and health benefits, evolving over years into an effective means of alleviating stress, anxiety and improving health and wellbeing. It’s considered to be a form of ‘meditation in motion’, which promotes serenity and inner peace.
This is a low-impact, slow-motion exercise that uses graceful movements – putting minimal stress on muscles and joints. Tai Chi is unhurried and gentle, so it doesn’t leave you breathless. It addresses the key components of fitness – muscle strength, flexibility (significantly boosting both upper and lower body flexibility), balance, and (to a lesser degree) aerobic conditioning. It also aids in reducing stress and anxiety.
Tai Chi cultivates and stimulates your internal energy, or ‘chi’, encouraging its circulation within the body system, keeping you rejuvenated, refreshed, fit and healthy.
Qigong
Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Also based on gentle movements, meditation and breathing, Qigong has wide-ranging health benefits.
Its movements are simple and repetitive, cultivating qi or chi energy. It can ease stress and emotional imbalance, loosen muscles, strengthen the nervous system, improve vascular function, strengthen organs, lower resting heart rate and respiratory rate, increase leg strength and improve balance.