Top Exercise for Older Adults: Qi Gong

Science has long proven that there are many mental health benefits from physical fitness. Private Home Care wants to discuss a special kind of exercise that integrates both and can be particularly beneficial for older adults. It is called Qi gong (chee-gung).

What in the world is Qi gong?!

Qi gong (pronounced CHEE-gung) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle and slow deliberate movements, hand-eye coordination, meditation, and breathing exercises. It is even more gentle than yoga.

The moving meditation is a very low-impact exercise that puts minimal stress on joints and muscles. The routines were not designed to burn calories or raise your heart rate. Instead, qi gong is a martial art that can help your circulation, flexibility, balance, and alignment, as well as restore energy. With a focus on breathing and mindfulness, qi gong is wonderful for your mental health!

When you do qi gong,you are building strength and flexbility in a subtle way. Your body weight is all you need. It’s not about powering through muscular poses, but about engaging your whole body through slow movement and breath.

The postures flow together, making qi gong look like a slow, graceful dance that keep your body in motion. Qi gong is available to every level of accessibility, it can be done standing, sitting, or lying down. It is very flexible – you can take a class or do the exercises outdoors, on your own, with a group or at home. You can benefit from practicing qi gong for 2 minutes or 62 minutes – there is no time limit!