The other day my W Qi- 40 hat prompted a conversation. “Does Qigong, I don’t know…really count as exercise?” asked my friend. It certainly does! Qigong is do-able, pleasant and relaxing, and so it encourages frequent and consistent practice. The ancients knew and current research continues to affirm, that consistent movement is the true driver of long-term health, not occasional bursts of intense exercise.
Fitness lingo refers to relatively light activities like easy walking, housework, or puttering around the garden as “Zone 0”. Studies show that Zone 0 activities improve circulation, lower stress, regulate blood sugar, and enhance mental clarity. These simple actions are pleasant enough that we are more likely to do them regularly, and—another advantage of Zone 0-- without risking the injury or inflammation that comes from being a weekend warrior.
Much of Qigong can be considered as Zone 0, but we supplement the benefits by adding refined, effective, yet gentle techniques to build strong joints and flexible connective tissue and muscles. Guided intention, directing our energy as we move, further “ups” the benefits of Qigong by adding the powerful healing component of mindfulness.
“Yeah, but is it enough?” my friend might ask. Well, no. You see, the body thrives on variety and challenge, so here’s some more encouraging news, from the Washington Post article by renowned orthopedist Dr. Jordon Metzel:
“A recent study in the European Heart Journal looked at people who didn’t engage in formal exercise and found that just one to two minutes a day of vigorous activity, accumulated in short bursts, was associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic disease and death. It includes things most people don’t think of as exercise: climbing stairs quickly, carrying heavy groceries, walking uphill with purpose or hurrying to catch a train. These moments are brief, but they matter. Huffing and puffing, even for short periods, can shape long-term health.”
Only one or two minutes, here and there throughout the day! Isn’t that fabulous? And, because you do Qigong, you’ll be ready to step on the gas when needed.Your joints, muscles, kinesthetic awareness, confidence, and joy of movement will be there for you, ready to supply that burst of qi from your inner reservoir of energy whenever you need it.
