Qigong for Strength and Fitness

There are primarily four Strength and Fitness training Qigong exercise forms: Muscle and Tendon Qigong, Nei Gong, Qigong Postures and Martial Qigong. (Qigong Stretching could fit into the fitness category as well however I like to consider it a part of the Health category)

Muscle and Tendon Qigong – is a form of strength training that involves full extension  and contraction of the limbs and torso.  Each exercise stimulate the growth and development of your tendons by testing the limits of their motion.  Its unique in the sense that it focuses on Tendon Strength.  Tendon strength greatly reinforces and stabilizes the joints and improves the pulling force that each muscle produces.

Nei Gong – focuses on precise and centralized core movements for the development of what is often known as” internal strength”.  Internal strength in this case largely refers to the ability of the inner core of the body to produce movement.  Nei Gong exercises are are often small repetitive movements that supply resistance to the muscles of the hips and spine making them great for posture, alignment and stability.  In addition Nei Gong Exercises, despite the intense core muscle work out, are gentle on the joints making it a great everyday strength training routine.

Qigong Postures – though Qigong postures are focused on developing the alignment of the hips and spine and cultivation of Dantien energy they also supply resistance to the muscles as well making them another strength and fitness tool.

Martial Qigong – or Martial Arts Qigong, uses a little from all of the above modalities but adds in some speed and explosiveness into the play.  This type of practice uses the Qigong principles to enhance ones combat potential thus it  has a good deal of focus on powerful, fast and ballistic movements.  Martial Qigong can be  a little harder on the joints but adds in a level or cardio work that many Qigong exercises do no have.

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Related posts:

1. Four Applications of Qigong – an overview
2. Qigong Strength Training – Abs!
3. Qigong Strength Training – The Prone Position
4. Qigong and the Core

Sep 28, 2009

• Posted by Matthew
• 1 comment
• Postures, Strength Training
• Fitness, Strength

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