Tai Chi is a low impact exercise and whilst seems easy and effortless, can be very detailed and intricate to study. It combines graceful manoeuvres, that focus on good posture, technique and breathing.

Tai Chi has a vast number of separate movements with unusual names such as White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Stroking the Horses Mane, Cloud Hands or Repulse the Monkey. These movements are combined into a sequence of steps called a Tai Chi Form, which looks like a graceful dance performed in slow motion.

There are many positive benefits from practising Tai Chi including improvements in strength, less joint pain and stiffness, improved balance and mobility, enhanced range of motion, reduced risk of falls, better reaction times, better coordination, lower stress, mindfulness, reduction in anxiety, improved mental wellbeing and mood, relaxation and an increase in mind/body connection and body awareness.

It’s suitable for anyone, any age, any fitness level – if you haven’t yet – you must give it a try!

QiGong is a system of holistic health exercises developed through Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It dates back thousands of years and is based on the belief that all living things have Qi (Life Force Energy) flowing in and around them through Meridians (Channels) and they exist with a balance of Yin and Yang.

QiGong exercises have been devised to stimulate these Meridians and unblock stagnate Qi, and move and cultivate Qi in our body with the aim of keeping us happy and healthy.

We can define QiGong as Energy Work because Qi’ means Energy, Life Force Energy or Prana and ‘Gong’ means Work or Practice.

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine, QiGong views the body as an organic whole and its exercises are designed to focus on specific areas of the body. They nurture and heal the body from the inside out, bringing a positive impact on mind and body, and restoring a natural balance of Yin and Yang.

QiGong exercises are simple to follow, slow and controlled movements. They are often performed in a set of repetitions. QiGong is referred to as Moving Meditation or Meditation in Motion.

QiGong can be practised by anyone, of any fitness level and any age. The exercises can be performed standing up or sitting down.

QiGong movements are practised slowly so it gives us the time to consider our posture, enabling us to build better body alignment and awareness. It uses our major muscles groups, helping to build strength, tone and flexibility, without any heavy impact on joints and bones. We also focus on deep breathing techniques, that expand the chest and lungs. We aim to be mindful within our QiGong movements and over time we can create a connection between our mind and body. This requires us to be present during practise  which means that QiGong is a great relaxation exercise and can be used very successfully in stress relief, calming an anxious mind and uplifting a low mood.