I hope you have time during our collective experience of “social distancing” to try this 18-minute qigong exercise warm up. It was not filmed on the south coast of Barbados as pictured in this photo but rather in my living room at the start of the pandemic. I wanted to introduce this integrative health therapy to an audience that might be hungry for something new.
Qigong (pronounced chee gong) is different from most exercise. New York Presbyterian Hospital in Brooklyn, NY offers classes in qigong and describes it as “a 3,000 year old Health and Wellness Practice that involves slow, gentle, repetitive movements and is known for releasing stress, lowering blood pressure, increasing flexibility, enhancing immune function and improving mood, among a great many health benefits.”
Here are some suggestions to help you get acquainted with this ancient healing martial art:
18-Minute Qigong Exercise Warm Up
Simple balancing, breathing, stretching and strengthening exercises in the Crane Style tradition to do as a stand alone or before any exercise routine. Click here to follow along.
You might also be interested in:
A 6-minute introduction to Crane Style Yoga: An explanation of how I developed this form that mixes traditional and modern techniques. Click here to listen and watch.
A 5-minute introduction to Soaring Crane Qigong: Click here to learn how qigong works and can help you.
Please pass these along to anyone you think might be interested. Let me know what you might have learned from this. I want to present more and feedback is welcome.
Suzanne Hanley says
Thank you, Maureen. This was just what I needed this morning,
Blessings to you.
Suzanne Hanley
Andrew Kaplan says
Great, perfect time to help me stay calm and connected during these trying times.
Ben Abel says
The 18 minutes warm up is really excellent. I’m telling others I know about it. Thank you.
Linda Garrity says
I love this video! As a student and teacher of yoga, I am familiar with the importance of breath work while moving. This video is different in that it goes a step above that by teaching and explaining Qigong – an ancient. Chinese art of moving healing energy through the body. MAUREEN’s simple, articulate, and authentic style of teaching makes this a must for anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, experienced or inexperienced. If you want to feel renewed and rejuvenated, I highly recommend you give it a try.
Susan Baron says
Thank you, Maureen, for your generous offerings! The videos are easy to follow, your movements are clearly demonstrated, and your voice is healing and grounding. I feel a sense of connection and community with you and your viewers during these profound times. Each time I do the 18-minute Qigong warmups with you, especially as you enter into the flying crane movements, I become more grounded and present, energized in my body with a new level of awareness to navigate the challenges of these times. I will continue to share these warmups and look forward to more virtual classes with you! With Tremendous Gratitude and Many Blessings!
Diane says
Thank you for this beautiful gift, Maureen. May you be well. 🙏