qigong, tai chi & metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health risks that increase your likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The University of Queensland in Australia has released results of a three month pilot study which indicate that qigong (pronounced "chee gong") and tai chi exercises can significantly improve several markers of metabolic syndrome, including blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, and HbA1c (the average amount of sugar in your blood). Tai chi and qigong exercises involve slow movements that build flexibility, deep breathing, and gentle strength training. It is now easier than ever to find a tai chi or qigong class-- try it, you'll like it!