{"product_id":"foundations-of-longevity-volume-1-qigong-fitness-book","title":"Foundations of Longevity, Volume 1: Qigong \u0026 Fitness - Print Book","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoundations of Longevity, Volume 1: Qigong \u0026amp; Fitness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Five Phases Approach to Health \u0026amp; Wellness\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy Christina J. Barea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrength and independence with simple daily habits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIf you have been away from exercise for a while, you may feel nervous and unsure how to begin. It's normal to feel this way after a long break, and just getting started can feel like a big step. If that resonates, this book is for you. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFoundations of Longevity gives you the essentials for maintaining or restoring functional health in the years ahead. No prior experience is needed, and the book meets you where you are. This is the first volume in a series built around the 5 Phases Health System, which brings together Qigong, fitness, nutrition, and energetics.\u003cbr\u003eVolume 1 builds the physical foundation first: strength, flexibility, and endurance, matched with Qigong and the breath.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first step is to find which Phase (Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, or Fire) most closely describes where you are today. Then, across eight structured weeks, you move, breathe, and build the strength and flexibility that lasting change depends on. The book is designed for people returning to exercise, and for anyone looking to support their longevity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe all know movement supports our health. But do you know how your body systems work together to make that happen? This book explores the connection between body, breath, and mind in plain language, so you understand what you are doing and why. We start with structure, since a strong physical foundation gives the breath and mind work something to build on.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBehind the book is the 5 Phases Health System, an active, whole-body wellness practice that integrates Body, Breath, and Mind. The program combines fitness conditioning, breathwork, Qigong, and mental cultivation into a structured, progressive path rooted in the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Phases (Elements) Theory. Rather than treating health as the absence of illness, the system approaches it as an ongoing practice of cultivating wholeness. Open the book, find out if you are Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, or Fire, and begin building the health that carries you forward.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eChristina has taught qigong and worked in health and wellness since 2003. In \u003cem\u003eFoundations of Longevity\u003c\/em\u003e, she combines ancient holistic ideas with modern physiology to give beginners and returning exercisers a clear place to start. The goal is not athletic performance. The goal is building the strength and capacity to live your everyday life fully and on your own terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow the program works\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe program is organized around the Five Phases (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood), a framework from Traditional Chinese Medicine. You spend eight weeks on each Phase. During that time, you learn the movements and notice how your body responds. At the end of the cycle, you decide whether to repeat the Phase at the same intensity or raise the effort. As your strength and alignment improve, the conditioning sections can be practiced with weights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEveryone begins with structure. Strong muscles and steady form support the breathing and mental practices that follow, so the physical foundation comes first. No prior experience in qigong or exercise is needed. The book gives you the plan, and the practice is yours to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you will find inside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlain-language chapters on bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, breathing, and mental focus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMovement sessions that include breathing patterns and active visualizations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCore movements designed for entry-level fitness, with a progression for adding weights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA structure with room to grow, so the practice can hold your interest for years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this book is for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAdults who are new to exercise or getting back into it, including people recovering from injury or setbacks, or people starting exercise for the first time and need a gentle introduction. Your body responds to movement at any age, and many readers find that small, consistent adjustments add up over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the authors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eChristina J. Barea holds a Master’s in Medical Qigong Therapy and is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, and Health \u0026amp; Wellness Coach. She is the author of \u003cem\u003eQigong Illustrated\u003c\/em\u003e, a Silver Nautilus Award winner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePeyton Young brings an exercise science background shaped by work in cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, and personal training with clients ranging from older adults to Olympic-level athletes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoftcover, 316 pages\u003cbr\u003eISBN 979-8-9968318-0-7 (softcover)\u003cbr\u003eISBN 979-8-9968318-1-4 (ebook)\u003cbr\u003ePublished by 5 Phases Publishing\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"5 Phases Health","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67759679373597,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0991\/9096\/4509\/files\/Front_Cover_Foundations-of-Longevity_Volume1_FINAL_Barea.png?v=1791971510","url":"https:\/\/5phaseshealth.com\/products\/foundations-of-longevity-volume-1-qigong-fitness-book","provider":"5 Phases Health","version":"1.0","type":"link"}