Can Qigong replace standard exercise?
Yes, we believe (and studies support us in this) that a well-rounded Qigong workout is more beneficial than weight training and aerobics. The gentle cardiovascular and stretching exercises can do more for you to build your body than high-exertion workouts. The concept is that through slow movement combined with conscious, deep breathing, the body retains more energy (Qi) than it loses through strenuous muscle-building. Actually, deep diaphragmatic breathing can do a lot to build the abdominal muscles and flatten the belly–I’ve stopped doing sit-ups over the years and have nice, flat abs. Tendon strength is improved with Qigong and the super-oxygenation benefits help the brain and whole body. Tests also show that the body/mind complex moves towards Alpha level on the EEG–the relaxed state where we experience deep rest and the immune system (the body’s natural healing mechanisms) can work at its optimal level. A daily morning workout of about 10 to 30 minutes can start to show positive
