Find your inner zen

Amanda Khouv shows how you can slow down your workout for a happier, healthier you.

There are plenty of ways to get pumped using exercise, whether it’s blasting your favourite power tune, heading out for a fast run or adding another kilo to your weights bar.

But everyone needs a healthy balance of exercise and relaxation to achieve good health — that’s why we love methods that combine the two.

If you thought inner energy was all about sitting in lotus position while chanting ‘om’, think again. Those familiar with the Chinese martial art tai chi may have come across qigong before.

Sometimes known by its full name of taiji qigong, it consists of a series exercises that are used to promote the body’s natural healing energy to reduce stress levels and increase wellbeing.

Touch the sea, look at the sky

Benefits: Lower back, heart, lungs

Technique

¦ Place the palm of your hand at the top of your knee. Let your weight sink through your front foot and your upper body remain light.

¦ Slowly transfer your weight backwards, as you raise your arms up and outwards.

¦ Repeat on both sides.

Rotating the wheel

Benefits: Vitality, hands, liver, gall bladder

Technique

¦ Lean as far forward as is comfortable.

¦ Continue to turn your upper body to the side and upward and outward in a circular motion.

¦ Repeat another set in the opposite direction.

Rowing the boat

Benefits: Kidneys, gall bladder, lower back

Technique

¦ Start with your arms up in line with your ears.

¦ Bend forward keeping your arms in line with your ears.

¦ Rise back to the start and repeat.

TOP TIP: Keep the lower backsoft