Stand like a tree, with lipstick on

Like many people at this time of year I am resolved to get fit and lose weight. Yet despite the best efforts of The Times Health Club I suspect I may be missing a trick.

There is a new fitness craze which is sweeping the corporate world - standing still. Yes that's right, not moving is a fast moving trend. Edge magazine reports that Zhan Zhuang or Qi Gong or Standing like a tree, as the art of stillness is variously called, is where it's at.

Nick Pole writes: "The idea is that after a few easy warm-up moves you stand quite still in a relaxed but well-aligned way, with all your joints slightly open. This strengthens your core muscles by allowing your energy to flow through them unobstructed by the usual blocks and tensions." And the stiller you stand the more the energy can flow within. (The picture above shows a group of Qi Gong practitioners at the World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day in Israel)

Mr Pole reports that businesses are booking classes as a way of helping employees deal with stress. What is more businesswomen have reported that their faces are less wrinkled and their skin clearer. There is also the added advantage that you can do it in your suit or whatever else you wear to work.   

One enthusiast says: "On summer evenings we practise in a big park in Vienna. We stand there in dresses, not baggy pants and t-shirts, and the ladies have got used to people looking at them. We do Qi Gong but we are still women, still with our lipstick on."