The Flying Crane

Back strength is a crucial component of tai chi and kung fu as it is of life. Most people have weak backs as we don’t use them for most of the day as we are resting them on the back of chairs. Even while standing the back muscles are only weakly engaged and cannot compete with the gradual shortening of the front of the body. The flying crane exercise strengthens all the muscles of the back and aids with balance at the same time. It is a traditional exercise in many kung fu styles.

All round bac…