Qi Gong

Learn the art of paying attention.

Turtle Power Fitness offers regular group Qi Gong classes in parks throughout the North Side of Chicago to support the healthy cultivation of life energy.

Direct, firsthand observation of animals, plants, natural cycles and the self —along with a lot of experimentation and trying things out — is the basis of the ancient art of Qi Gong. Together, we’ll practice moving, listening and responding to our bodies while fostering a calm heart and mind.

Join the Whatsapp group for class schedule & location updates + poetry every Mon/Wed/Fri.

Equitable

Many Qi Gong classes at TPF are sliding scale and no-one-turned-away.

Accessible

Come as you are and follow (or modify!) the guided movements in a judgement-free zone.

Community-minded

Meet, share and move with a community of individuals at class and in the Whatsapp group.

What happens in a Qi Gong class at TPF?

Externally, we’ll move through a series of gentle, flowing movements which can range from simple to complex and easy to athletic. These movements are combined with breathing exercises, standing meditations and intentional stillness.

Internally, you’ll be practicing paying attention to ever-more subtle internal sensations that offer clues about the state of your physiology, organs, and overall internal health. Qi Gong is learning the art of working with your body on this very refined and nuanced level, so that eventually it’s not just your physiology speaking while you listen — eventually you begin to communicate back to your physiology through this practice.

What does “Qi Gong” mean and where does it come from?

In Chinese, Qi means life force energy and Gong means skillful work, hard training, or endeavor. Taken together, Qi Gong means something like “the skillful cultivation of life force energy.” This ancient practice originated in China and is intended to harmonize body, mind, and spirit and promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It can also be combined with lifestyle and dietary recommendations that will support the healthy cultivation of life energy, and it pairs very well with Shiatsu massage.