As a student of karate for seven years and someone known to cheer in kung-fu movies, I couldn?t wait to try my first Qi Gong class. I knew little about this form of Chinese martial arts (pronounced ?chee gung?, as in lung), yet its name conjured up flying dragons, lethal moves and magical powers that would surely soon be mine. But, as my class gets underway, any hopes of mastering a party piece to impress friends by smashing bricks with my elbows are dashed faster than a swift Jackie Chan right hook.
Qi Gong is an altogether gentler pursuit, involving much arm waving, standing still with your eyes closed and deep breathing. At the Third Space health and fitness club in London, I am greeted on the mat by Qi Gong instructor Steve Kippax, 48.
We begin by standing straight with bare feet in a parallel position and knees slightly bent. ?Now raise your arms above your head and then let them drop down by your sides,? says Steve. Steadying my breathing, we do this maybe 200 times, which, at first, strikes me as mind-numbingly repetitive ? until my whole body starts to glow with an inner warmth.
The definition of the word ?qi? translates as ?breathing?, ?air?, ?gas? or ?vapour?. It describes the relationship between matter, energy and the spirit. It is also a focus for energy in martial arts. ?Gong? is force or power with the focus on achievement and results. Combined, they describe methods of energy cultivation, representing a powerful system of healing and energy medicine.
Steve now instructs class members to move their arms in big circles, tapping various parts of the body, as if to awaken them. Following his moves, I tap my head, my shoulders and my lower stomach. The closest I come to my hero, Jackie Chan, is when we adopt the Lower Horse Stance, squatting down on my haunches, legs astride with arms outstretched.
?Imagine you are an archer stretching your bow,? says Steve. After a couple of minutes in this graceful, if strenuous, position, my thighs and shoulders feel as if they are on fire.
The real benefits of Qi Gong are many and varied. Its cardiovascular effects include lowering the resting heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It slows the respiratory rate, too, aiding asthma and bronchitis sufferers. Circulation is improved, bringing relief for angina, migraine and Raynaud?s Syndrome (cold hands and feet). Qi Gong practitioners report improved posture, balance, strength, stamina and flexibility. It?s said also to help reduce stress, lift depression and improve memory. All by waving your arms about ? amazing.
Before I sound too sceptical, I discover that Chinese archaeologists and historians have found references to Qi Gong dating back 2,500 years. And suddenly, my 45-minute class is over. Time has flown. The exercises were in slow motion but, to my surprise, I am sweating and feel I?ve been given a thorough workout.
My muscles feel loose, my arms and legs lubricated. I?m in tune with life, less stressed than before my class began. Having swung my limbs around, I?m revitalised and ready to swing into action.
Qi Gong classes are free with membership at the Third Space (�1,290 a year or �129 a month), www.thethirdspace.com, 020 7439 6333
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