Exercise Intensity, Perception of Benefits, and Preferences on Taichi and Chigong Exercises of American College Students

Abstract

Exercise Intensity, Perception of Benefits, and Preferences on Taichi and Chigong Exercises of American College StudentsThe purposes of this study was to investigate the exercise intensity through heart rate and sweat rate during taichi and chigong workout, student perception on the benefits of different taichi and chigong exercises, and preferred taichi and chigong exercises of American college students. The results indicated that: 1) Taichi and chigong exercises increased heart rate of college students to light intensity level based on ACSM criteria even though the main purpose of taichi and chigong exercise focuses on inner health instead generating high level heart rate. 2) More than 60% students had heavy sweat during practice of most taichi and chigong exercise except Crane style chigong. 3) Most students felt that taichi and chigong exercises are useful for their external fitness, inner health, stress and anxiety reduction, and relaxation. These exercises include simplified Crane Chigong, simplified Taichi Chigong, Standard 24 form Taichi, Stationary Taichi, taichi and chigong combination, and Free Style taichi. 4) Men showed high interest on 24 form taichi and individual work out on this form, and doing taichi/chigong in the gym with music. Women demonstrated high interest on the combination the three key taichi/chigong elements, 24 form taichi, and working out with music and following the instructor. It is expected that the results can be used as a reference for taichi and chigong instructors for designing and teaching taichi classes for the best of student interests.