Exercise and movement resources

The evidence for the benefits of exercise and movement is growing. Getting and keeping fit is important both for your physical and mental health.

Qi Gong

One thing you might like to try is Qi Gong. This is a simple, flowing form of health exercise, similar to Tai Chi. Qi means energy in Chinese so, literally, Qi Gong means working (gong) with the body’s energy (qi). The gentle movements of Qi Gong can provide a good way to help you relax.

Simple exercise focusing on movement and breath

‘Most important’ Qi Gong exercise for beginners (Jeffrey Chand) This simple exercise can be done by anyone, even if you have never done movement like this before. All you need are a few spare minutes. This exercise focuses on movement and breath. It can support your body to feel more open and relaxed and help your whole body to function well.

Dur: 8’01”

For when you are feeling tired or drained

Gathering the Qi – Qi Gong for Qi depletion, fatigue, and energy (Jeffrey Chand) This video builds on the previous video and shows a sequence of three simple movements. It is easy to follow and a very calming sequence which particularly helps when you are feeling tired or drained from overwork or responsibilities. Practise once or twice a day; just breathe naturally and relax.

Dur: 9’58”

For stress, anxiety and energy

Qi Gong Routine for stress, anxiety, and vitality (Jeffrey Chand) This calming exercise is designed to help with stress and anxiety.

Dur: 16’34”

Relaxing and calming exercises to help strengthen lung energy

Qigong routine to strengthen the lungs with Peter Deadman This video shows three Qi Gong exercises which can support your lungs and bring about a feeling of calm. ** Please note: in section 3 of this video, when instructed to ‘slap fairly hard’, you should only tap lightly or stroke.

Dur: 20’35”

Other exercise resources

SafeFit

Macmillan Cancer Support has teamed up with CanRehab Trust to offer SafeFit – a free remote service for anyone who is in the UK with a cancer diagnosis and over 18. After signing up, CanRehab will contact you to detemine your needs. They will allocate a cancer exercise specialist offering advice, support and resources to maintain and improve your physical and mental well being. Remote sessions will be delivered via individual telephone consultations, one-to-one and group video exercise sessions.

We Are Undefeatable

We Are Undefeatable is a movement supporting people with a range of long term health conditions. It has been developed by 15 leading health and social care charities and backed by expertise and insight from Sport England. Its purpose is to support and encourage people to find ways to be active that work with their health conditions, not against them.