Qigong: Flowing Energy for Body and Mind
Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle, flowing movement, conscious breathing, soft stretching, and meditation. Rooted in the cultivation and circulation of qi, or life-force energy, Qigong is often called “meditation in motion.”
Through slow, rhythmic movements, you’ll gently stretch and strengthen the body, loosen stiff joints, improve balance and coordination, and develop a greater awareness of how you move and breathe. The practice is both calming and physically engaging, helping you release tension without exhausting yourself.
This class draws on the teachings of modern Qigong teachers Nick Loffree and Lee Holden, whose approaches make traditional Qigong accessible, practical, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. Each session blends time-tested forms with an inviting, down-to-earth approach, allowing you to move at your own pace while exploring the relationship between physical movement, breath, energy, and stillness.
What to Expect
A typical class includes a gentle progression of physical and meditative practices:
- Warm-ups and joint openers to loosen stiffness, encourage mobility, and prepare the body for movement.
- Conscious breathing to establish a comfortable rhythm, deepen awareness, and encourage relaxation.
- Flowing movement sequences that combine gentle stretching, strengthening, weight shifting, and coordinated movement.
- Gentle tapping and self-massage to stimulate the body, ease muscular tension, and encourage the flow of qi.
- Standing or seated meditation to settle the body, quiet the mind, and bring the practice to a peaceful close.
Movements are slow, soft, and repetitive, allowing you to become familiar with each sequence without rushing. Although the practice is gentle, it actively engages the body through controlled movement, balance, posture, and coordination.
There’s no need to memorize complicated routines or perform movements perfectly. The invitation is to relax, pay attention, and discover a comfortable, natural way of moving.
Benefits of Qigong
With regular practice, Qigong can help support:
- Greater flexibility, joint mobility, and range of motion
- Improved balance, coordination, and physical stability
- Gentle muscular strengthening without strenuous exertion
- Relief from everyday stiffness and muscular tension
- Relaxation and a calmer response to daily stress
- Greater awareness of posture, breathing, and movement
- A sense of energy, mental clarity, and emotional steadiness
Many students leave class feeling both relaxed and refreshed, with a greater sense of ease and connection to their bodies.
Who It’s For
Qigong is an accessible, low-impact practice suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. It may be especially appealing if you:
- Want gentle exercise that still engages the whole body
- Are interested in improving balance, flexibility, and coordination
- Prefer movement that is easy on the joints
- Are returning to physical activity and want a measured approach
- Want to complement your yoga, meditation, or fitness routine
- Enjoy practices that combine physical movement with mindfulness
Movements can be adapted to different abilities and performed standing or seated. No previous Qigong experience is needed.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely.
Teacher: Michelle Goldberg — Sol Center Teacher bios can be found here
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Daily Classes are: $15 and can be booked up to 14 days in advance
You may also join us via:Community Membership or a 5 Class Pass
Should you be new to the Sol Center, you may use the code: WELCOME for 50% off of a 5 Class Pass
