Ingenia Resort retirees find fitness in qi jong, an ancient Chinese art

The 81-year-old instructor has been teaching the ancient art of qi gong for more than 20 years and has been to China several times to study.

As well as having fun and improving their fitness, the class at Ingenia's Seachange Lifestyle Resort Toowoomba is learning a complex sequence of movements in preparation for a public display at the end of the year.

Unlike its cousin tai chi, the primary focus of is better health. Tai chi was developed centuries later and has its roots in martial arts.

Qi gong proved to be a useful skill for the many years Janita worked as a diversional therapist, interpreter and massage therapist helping palliative care patients at Tamworth Hospital.

"The more I learned... the more I liked it," she said.

"I have always loved caring for people and teaching them why and how to exercise so they can better look after themselves."

Janita was forced to give up work four years ago when she broke her ankle.

After that, she found the stairs and large, sloping garden at her family home were too hard to navigate so she and her husband moved to Toowoomba.

The timber dance floor in the resort's community clubhouse provides a luxurious setting for the slow, graceful movements that are inspired by nature.

Hand exercises you can easily do in bed, or sitting in front of the TV, are just some of the other ways you can use qi gong to improve health and fitness.

Gently tapping on the acupressure points in the hands and face can also stimulate the body, encouraging energy - or "chi" - to refresh circulation and muscles and help relieve aches and pains.

Fellow resident Sue Gregor is a convert after taking up qi gong less than a year ago. She often leads the group when Janita is away.

"Qi gong is very relaxing," she said. "You can feel the energy going through your body."