To calm you mind, improve your balance and boost your immune system, try Tai Chi or Qi gong.

Qi gong consists of movements and breathing techniques that enhance the life flow or balance within your body.

Qi gong encourages relaxation and has been used to help people with asthma and lung conditions breathe easier.

Tai Chi, an ancient form of precise, flowing body movements, is a way to tone and strengthen muscles while relaxing your body and mind.

It improves balance, posture, and, many believe, even medical conditions relating to the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

The controlled breathing associated with Tai Chi and Qi gong is believed to help lower stress, and stabilize blood pressure and respiration.

Tai Chi and Qi gong are considered ideal activities for people of any age or fitness level because they don’t use force, impact, speed or physical strength.

In fact, the National Institute on Aging suggests that the balance training of Tai Chi helps reduce the risk of falling and the fear of falling among senior citizens as it contributes to an overall sense of well being.

Tai Chi and Qi gong are gentle strengthening exercises, and also work well to add balance to a competitive approach to fitness.