[sarahmccrum]

My big question is about the difference between this kind of body pummelling exercise and gentler types of exercise such as the Chinese have done for millennia to promote longevity. I don't think the Chinese live longer than Americans or europeans, but then most of them don't do their traditional exercise styles any more. But i know that the feeling you get after an hour of Chinese-style exercise is so much fresher and more invigorating than after strong western style exercise. In my experience western style exercise circulates your energy (which is really good for you) and also drains it but Chinese exercise actually boosts your energy as well as circulating it. This is only based on personal experience - no science, but it would be worth investigating more seriously for anyone interested in longevity.