Qigong combines gentle movement, posture, breathing and focused attention. Many sets are simple enough to learn in a few weeks and can be practised standing or seated.
Qigong and tai chi
Tai chi is a martial art with stepping forms; qigong exercises are usually shorter, repetitive and often practised in one spot. Both emphasise relaxation, alignment and breath, so each supports the other.
Step by step
- Practise in a quiet, well-ventilated space.
- Wear loose clothing and flat shoes or bare feet.
- Move within comfort; qigong should never strain.
Common mistakes
- Treating qigong as a cure for medical conditions; it is a wellness practice, not a treatment.
Your practice
- Spend two minutes standing quietly before your first session.
Safety note: Move within a comfortable, pain-free range and breathe throughout. This lesson is general fitness education, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, recovering from an injury or surgery, or have a heart, blood-pressure, joint or other health condition, check with your doctor before you start. Stop and seek medical help if you feel chest pain, dizziness, faintness or unusual shortness of breath.