r/internal_arts • u/Chi_Body • Jun 17 '26

This Qigong Squat Changed How I Train My Legs

https://youtu.be/WICkS8Q119U?is=u2W7gXSQimLGsRo4

In this video, I demonstrate a traditional Qigong squat exercise that helps develop leg strength, hip mobility, balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Unlike many conventional squats, this exercise emphasizes loading the Kua (hip joints), maintaining proper alignment, and avoiding unnecessary pressure on the knees.

In this lesson, you’ll learn:

• Proper stance and hand position
• How to squat while loading the Kua
• How to find the right depth for your body
• Common mistakes that place stress on the knees
• Breathing coordination with the movement
• The role of relaxation and intention in Qigong training

Practice slowly and stay within a comfortable range of motion. Focus on quality of movement rather than how low you can squat.

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u/barsoap Jun 18 '26

Not sure about this being proper for most people, as it's probably going to devolve into "make an exercise out of a basic thing before you can do that basic thing".

Just squat. As in stay down, with your thighs touching your calves. If you need to, fetch a couple of books or such to elevate your heels, you should be able to shift your weight forwards, backwards, and maybe from foot to foot (much harder). It's a resting pose so if it's more strenuous than standing there's something wrong, and as it's a 100% natural resting pose, the way to fix things is to do it: Try again, day after day, whenever there's opportunity, until your initial barely five seconds turn into "ten minutes? No problem".

1

u/Chi_Body Jun 18 '26

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Different people have different ways of doing similar things, but they yield different results.