You Might Be Physically Fit, But Are You Qi Fit?
Lee Holden, Founder of holistic wellness company, Holden QiGong, joins us to share what it means to be “Qi Fit.”
It seems like almost everyone today wants to be on the cover of a magazine. Men want chiseled abs and sharp jawlines and women want shapely, hourglass figures. Of course, working towards a physical health goal is important, but as holistic Health Coach Lee Holden points out, it’s one thing to look healthy, and another to actually be healthy.
Holden is the Founder of Pacific Healing Arts, one of north California’s most successful wellness practices, and Holden QiGong, an organization through which he helps individuals learn the ancient Chinese practice of coordinated movement, breathing, and meditation techniques.
“Qi Gong is the art of effortless power,” says Holden, explaining that when “we want more ease in our lives, we can put it into practice and through our bodies, create powerful shifts.” Qi Gong techniques are known to lower stress, clear tension and tightness in the body, and help individuals achieve a calmer state of mind.
Holden says that as human beings, we don’t always have time to go to the gym, take a yoga class, and practice mindfulness meditation, “but in Qi Gong, you get all of those practices at once and in synergy.”
When practicing Qi Gong, one will do breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and stretches, making it easy to incorporate all aspects of well-being into one holistic practice. Unlike the often superficial pursuit of physical appearance that dominates popular culture, Qi Gong offers a deeper, all-encompassing approach to health.
Holden emphasizes that true health extends beyond outward appearances and encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. One of the unique things about Qi Gong is its emphasis on mind-body connection.
“Working with the body can be so helpful in terms of creating that bridge between calm, clear practice and a calm, clear life,” Holden continues. “In fact, as we’re moving through life, Qi Gong invites us to ask, ‘How much tension am I carrying in my body?’”
Many of us who work from home are at our computers for long hours each day. Eventually, this can lead to tension and tightness in the shoulders and neck. Qi Gong can be especially beneficial to help us overcome this, with its gentle movements and stretches that target problem regions, helping us release the tension and relax.
Furthermore, Qi Gong offers an avenue for reducing stress. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle is taking its toll and stress has become a major cause of many illnesses such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems. Doing Qi Gong on a regular basis is a great way to help reduce the destructive effects of stress and promote a sense of inner peace.
Holden adds that using Qi Gong techniques throughout the day creates moments of stillness and presence in the midst of a busy life, ultimately supporting one’s overall health.
“Qi Gong is all about slowing down,” he says. “I think people want to have a moment where they’re not constantly in a rush and feeling that anxiety within themselves. So slowing down in everyday life moments, whether it’s having a meal, or strategically creating rhythm to slow down, creates a moment to be in the moment. And all the research is there to say, hey, if you slow down, it improves your health, it improves your sleeping patterns, it improves your digestion and so much more.”
One of the most important tools for slowing down is controlling your breath and mind. “You always have your breath, you always have your mind,” says Holden. “You can integrate Qi Gong practices throughout the day, sitting at your desk or taking a few minutes to stand up and take a quick Qi break,” he adds.
Holden’s approach to Qi Gong is grounded in the belief that anyone can practice it anytime or anywhere. “You don’t have to change clothes, put on your spandex, get your yoga mat. It could just be in jeans and a T-shirt. Let me do a practice that’s going to really help to clear stress and recharge my energy system,” he says.
For Holden, health is not merely about being physically fit. It’s also about strengthening the relationship between mind, body, and soul. In a society fixated on external appearances, Qi Gong offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing inner vitality and balance over superficial beauty ideals.
Holden QiGong provides a direct line to the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, helping people integrate the benefits of this ancient practice into their modern lives. By channeling breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and stretching with the help of Qi Gong, practitioners can find a deep connection with their minds and bodies.
Holden is the author of “7 Minutes of Magic,” hosts the PBS show “Your Fountain of Youth,” and offers online workshops, classes, and retreats for those interested in getting “Qi Fit.”
So if you’re ready to be physically fit and enter a new era of overall happiness and wellbeing, visit Lee Holden’s website today!
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