The first impression that most people have about Qi Gong is that it is an old people sort of exercise. Sure, there are a lot of people who do this exercise but that is because it is very beneficial for their overall health. Beyond the old people and the slow motion movements, NJ Qi Gong is actually much more than just that and can be an overall lifestyle.

Now, the name in itself will tell people that the main force behind the exercise is chi, or internal energy. If one is very familiar with those Jackie Chan or Jet Li movies, then he or she will most likely know about chi through the monks and the kung fu fighters. To a certain extent, those kung fu feats are actually true as chi can really power up the body.

For those more familiar with the art, there are two main reasons why it is practiced. The first reason would be for health purposes because it allows one to strengthen the internal organs, prolonging their lives. The second reason would be for fitness purposes as the control of chi allows one to have more stamina and stronger physical capabilities.

Now that one knows some background of the art, it is also good to know some of the basic exercises that come with it. One of the main basic exercises would be the sway. To do this, one assumes a shoulder width stance with slightly bent knees and outstretched arms. From this position, one will sway his or her shoulders from left to right in a very fluid and soft motion until the feeling of chi comes.

The bounce is a second exercise that one can do from the same stance. The fluid motion and the stance are pretty much the same as the sway. The difference would be that one will bounce up and down in a fluid motion instead of moving right to left.

Another great exercise is the accordion exercise. This exercise allows the practitioner to feel the chi by compressing it in his or her hands. To do this exercise, one has to sit down, close both eyes and put both hands together facing each other. From there, one slowly and softly separates the hands from each twelve inches apart, bring them back together and repeat the cycle.

Lastly, one will have to learn the basic breathing exercises that involve some light meditation. One of the most basic breathing exercises would be the concentration of chi into the Dantian. Basically, one will assume a cross legged sitting position with both eyes closed. From there, one will breathe in deeply and breathe out slowly while concentrating the breath into the nasal area or the Dantian.

For those who want to take up this art, here is an idea of the things that will be tackled. Always remember though that an instructor is needed before one would practice alone. Since this exercise is extremely powerful, doing it the wrong way may actually do a bit more harm than good to the body.