Zhan Zhang besides Embrace the Tree

[Threads of Fate]

What are some other Zhan Zhuang Gong postures besides Embrace the Tree a praciticioner can hold? Because currently, the only thing on me that gets a workout when I hold it, are the muscles in my back that lead to my arms. So is there something that actually focuses on the arms?

[taiji fajin]

There are other postures, but if your goal is to get a good arm (or any) workout, you're not going to get much of anything out of meditation. Have a talk with your laoshi about the benefits and purpose of the different postures, and meditating in general.

[Threads of Fate]

I know the benefits, but not the purposes, so I plan to.

[dtstiachi]

there are other forms of Zhan Zhuang training that can help you focus on certain areas. Try holding your hands out to your side but keep them relaxed. Hold this posture as you would embrace the tree. You will really start to feel it in your arms. Also try holding your arms strait out with your palms opposing one another like you are trying to push down two pillars. Ater time you will feel this in your arms as well. Remember to RELAX. RELAX, RELAX, RELAX. Hope this helps.

[Kajukenbopr]

ok, u think you are nto doing anything by "embracing the tree" ?

if you still get tense on ur back and arms, you havent mastered the position yet. practice and remember to smile.

once u truly master this position, your arms gain a lot of strength, remember what you are trying to do is wake up muscles you've kept dormant for most of your life.

[dtstiachi]

True Kajukenbopr,

even if you have mastered the position, you will still struggle with tensing up in that area. It won't ever completely go away because you are constantly developing and using those muscles in that area.

[Clarence]

What is Zhan Zhuang? Does anyone know the true answer.

[Kajukenbopr]

actually it does get relieved, I dont really practice to keep the posture for too long like an hour, but I can keep the muscles in place and relaxed.

When you can truly get your muscles to relax, then you will have truly mastered the technique.

[Kajukenbopr]

Clarence

Zhang Zhuang is Chi Kung or internal energy excercise. It combines certain excercises so you can begin to blend your mind into what your body does, thus enabling you to channel your Chi in your body better.

>> I'm not saying its going to be dragonballz, you wont shoot lasers off your hands or anything like that. <<

you learn how to balance your body and train your mind.and you know what good Chi flow does to your body, dont you?

[Threads of Fate]

ok, u think you are nto doing anything by "embracing the tree" ?

I know I'm doing something and I do not think it's a waste in any perspective, I'm a huge fan of internal arts and I'm learning alot.

Remember to RELAX. RELAX, RELAX, RELAX.

Lol, my Sifu tells us that all the time, and I do. Now, when I'm laying down, I can get to the point where I can relax and my body starts twitching and/or vibrating involunatrily. Also, Sifu can make his body shake when he relaxes, he says it's just something that comes along with the relaxation process when you truly learn how to like I am. But I also apply it to other areas of my life all the time along with other Taijiquan principles.