Wellness Positive

A Tai Chi and Kung-Fu Exercise Program for Good Health, well-being and preventing disease..

  Most of the Tai Chi and Kung Fu exercises in this program develop and strengthen not one but several of the body's internal systems and organs. Read on, below..

THE SIXTH EXERCISE: STRETCHING THE BODY..

  This exercise greatly benefits the abdomen and digestive system. It also limbers up the legs and spine. At first, you may lack the flexibility to do this exercise correctly - don't let this trouble you, in time your body will adapt, and you will gain this capability.

STEP 1:

  Take the position shown in the image below, with one leg bent to the side of you, and the other leg stretched out in front.

STEP 2:

  Inhale deeply..

STEP 3:

  Now, while exhaling, bend down and touch your head to your straight leg. This may not be easy at first - do not be discouraged, it will come in time. The movement should be smooth and controlled, not jerky - as your head touches your knee, your lungs should be half empty.

..Then, still exhaling, slowly unbend your body. As your body straightens up, your lungs should be completely empty.

STEP 4:

  Now, inhaling, turn your body, unbend the bent leg, and bend the one that was straight, as shown. Fill your lungs completely.

STEP 5:

  Exhaling, bend down and touch your head to your straight leg. Still exhaling, unbend your body. As your body straightens up, your lungs should be empty.

STEP 6:

  Now, inhaling, turn your body back again, unbend the bent leg, and bend the one that was straight, as shown. Fill your lungs completely. You have now returned to the position you were in at the beginning of the exercise..

  Count this as one repetition. Do between 5 and 10.