Tai Chi and Weightlifting.

[Kung Fu Wang]

The lack of weightlifting is probably why so many kung fu styles are vastly inferior other styles.

Glad to see someone still lives on this planet and have common sense. Even a MA master still need to carry grocery bags for his wife,

 

[Taiji Rebel]

Weight-training is beneficial to everyone. Qi and it's powers will continue to be open to debate. Some for, others against. The wiser approach is to build overall strength, of which there are many different types. Resistance training takes discipline and hard work which is why a fair amount of traditional MAs focus on the softer skills. We see this all the time in taijiquan and aikido. Occasionally though, we see those who are clearly fit, strong and healthy who can not only talk the talk, but actually put their money where their mouths are. I've seen plenty of woo-woo demos in taijiquan and aikido but have never felt the invisible powers personally - not saying it doesn't exist, just recognizing that weight-training builds true strength and internal health which is undeniable.

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

Weight-training is beneficial to everyone.

Just remaining bone density during old age is enough reason for weight training.

This video was made back in 1987.

 

[Sammy Naur]

Weight-training is beneficial to everyone. Qi and it's powers will continue to be open to debate. Some for, others against. The wiser approach is to build overall strength, of which there are many different types. Resistance training takes discipline and hard work which is why a fair amount of traditional MAs focus on the softer skills. We see this all the time in taijiquan and aikido. Occasionally though, we see those who are clearly fit, strong and healthy who can not only talk the talk, but actually put their money where their mouths are. I've seen plenty of woo-woo demos in taijiquan and aikido but have never felt the invisible powers personally - not saying it doesn't exist, just recognizing that weight-training builds true strength and internal health which is undeniable.

Or how about we exchange "strength" with "endurance".

Strength is kind of an in-the-moment thing. Whereas endurance is a duration over time.

If we've learned anything from people who train with weights, they have more endurance. It feels almost stupid posting that sort of obvious thing.

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

people who train with weights, they have more endurance.

Agree! People who train weight can hang off cliff longer before dropping dead.

 

[Same Trick]

When one practice the traditional Taiji form the arms hare held hangingly out from the body for about 20 min, if one’s taiji form is just 4min long it won’t build that same strength as the traditional form does

 

[Appledog]

When one practice the traditional Taiji form the arms hare held hangingly out from the body for about 20 min, if one’s taiji form is just 4min long it won’t build that same strength as the traditional form does

A brilliant insight. You only get this from a long form.

 

[Xue Sheng]

When one practice the traditional Taiji form the arms hare held hangingly out from the body for about 20 min, if one’s taiji form is just 4min long it won’t build that same strength as the traditional form does

kind of like complaining about weakness in Xingyiquan when you have never trained Santi Shi

 

[windwalker099]

When one practice the traditional Taiji form the arms hare held hangingly out from the body for about 20 min, if one’s taiji form is just 4min long it won’t build that same strength as the traditional form does

It is quite strange.

IME, many coming from other disciplines find it difficult to meet the requirements of IMA practice—especially Taiji depending on focus. ie going to a senior center is not always a good indication of a practice of any practice for those looking for usage...

A good example is Zhan Zhuang (站樁), or standing meditation. It looks like someone just standing still, doing nothing. In reality, it demands precise structure, internal awareness, and deep relaxation (鬆). People often shake, sweat, or get exhausted within minutes—not because they’re moving, but because they’re learning to engage the whole body without tension. It’s one of the foundations, yet incredibly difficult to do correctly.

The practice the long from considered a type of moving Zhan Zhuang (站樁) for some taiji practices.

Historically, there are also many anecdotes about how severe and demanding internal practice was during that time. What appears simple on the outside is often where the deepest work is being done.

Glad to see someone still lives on this planet and have common sense. Even a MA master still need to carry grocery bags for his wife,

Totally agree—a martial arts master still has to carry groceries and live in the real world. We all do.

The kind of power we’re talking about in internal arts like Taiji is different from external strength. It’s not about how much you can lift, but how well you transfer force through structure, timing, breath, and intention. That’s internal force (內勁), it works differently than the external force (外力) most people are familiar with.

The story about Zheng Manqing not being able to lift a bowling ball , used to illustrate the differences.. He wasn't known for strength—but he could send people flying with barely any movement. A different kind of skill, built through a different method.

Not all power looks the same—comparing internal and external methods used can be misleading, Methods used in developing force past a certain point are incompatible with each other..

What method one may find more useful depends on interest.

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

The story about Zheng Manqing not being able to lift a bowling ball , used to illustrate the differences.. He wasn't known for strength—but he could send people flying with barely any movement.

It's not whether you want to do it or not, it's whether you have to do it or not.

I just asked AI the following question - Should I lift weight at old age?

Absolutely! Weightlifting at an older age can offer numerous health benefits, including maintaining muscle strength, improving bone density, boosting metabolism, and enhancing overall mobility. Strength training is crucial in preventing sarcopenia, the natural loss of muscle mass that comes with aging.

 

[Xue Sheng]

It's not whether you want to do it or not, it's whether you have to do it or not.

I just asked AI the following question - Should I lift weight at old age?

Absolutely! Weightlifting at an older age can offer numerous health benefits, including maintaining muscle strength, improving bone density, boosting metabolism, and enhancing overall mobility. Strength training is crucial in preventing sarcopenia, the natural loss of muscle mass that comes with aging.

Although that is true, you have to take what AI sells you as a suggestion for what you need to research to make sure it is true.

For the record, I do lift weights, but as we age we need to change our approach. If I tried to lift the way I did in my 30s, now in my 60s, I would not gain much and likely lose more that I gained.

We need more recovery time as we age to actually make gains

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

Although that is true, you have to take what AI sells you as a suggestion for what you need to research to make sure it is true.

For the record, I do lift weights, but as we age we need to change our approach. If I tried to lift the way I did in my 30s, now in my 60s, I would not gain much and likely lose more that I gained.

We need more recovery time as we age to actually make gains

I didn't include the whole AI respond in my last post. Not sure people want to read that much detail. Here are the rest of my AI respond:
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However, some key considerations:

• Start Light & Progress Gradually – Your body may not recover as quickly as when you were younger, so ease into weightlifting with lighter weights and higher reps.
• Focus on Functional Strength – Exercises that improve balance, posture, and flexibility will help maintain independence and prevent injuries.
• Prioritize Form Over Weight – Proper technique is more important than lifting heavy; good form reduces injury risk.
• Consult a Doctor or Trainer – Especially if you have health conditions, check with a professional to tailor exercises to your needs.

Even simple resistance training—using bodyweight, resistance bands, or light dumbbells—can be immensely beneficial for overall well-being. Let me know if you'd like recommendations for workouts that suit different fitness levels!