Shaolin Monks are exceptionally fit. It’s impossible to be exceptionally fit without being exceptionally healthy. But this wasn’t always the case. When the founder of Zen, Bodhidharma, arrived at the Shaolin Temple, he found the monks were weak from sitting in meditation. He devised a series of exercises to increase a monk’s power so they could live longer and have more chance of reaching enlightenment.
The Bodhidharma’s goal was to halt disease and early death. He achieved this goal through Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong. Kung Fu and Qigong are like the two wings of a bird. We need both to be truly healthy and fit from the inside out.
As the teachings spread outside the temple, Qigong became known as a gentle exercise separate from Kung Fu, and many Qigong students ignored Kung Fu thinking Qigong was all they needed for health. But inside the temple, this has never been the case. To this day, monks and disciples both practice Kung Fu and Qigong. There is no separation.
What’s the ultimate way to defy depression, disease and early death? Exercise. This was the headline in a UK newspaper last week. And from the same newspaper: Can Meditation Help Slow The Ageing Process? And what about burn out and inflammation? We need Qigong to manage this. But how do we fit it all in, between our jobs, hobbies, families and friends?
I’ve designed a program for health and longevity. It gives you the benefits of exercise, meditation and Qigong in one fully combined unit. I've devised this program from training some of my older students who had no background of martial arts but wanted to increase their health and wellness. Shaolin Fitness and Wellness combines a workout based on Kung Fu moves with Qigong. Because it’s from the Shaolin Temple of Zen, the workout is a meditation. If you do this workout 4 – 5 times a week you will feel the benefit in your mind and body.
It is still challenging but as you keep going, you'll be surprised at what your mind and body can achieve. If you already have a workout that you love, then I recommend you do Longevity Qigong alongside your workout. If you're totally new to my teaching I recommend you click HERE
The programs you need for this workout are: Shaolin Fitness And Wellness
Also available as two downloads:Shaolin Fitness and Wellness Beginners
Shaolin Fitness And Wellness 2 Intermediate
Click here for The Qi Of Stamina, a personalised program for professional martial artists.