Ancient Chinese Training Discipline Added To Schuylkill River Trail

NORRISTOWN, PA — An ancient Chinese training discipline has been installed along the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown, as the region's crown jewel trail network continues its remodel and revitalization.

The new "Qi Gong Circle" provides stones and instructions for a series of movements which, like Tai Chi, aims to target and benefit specific parts of the body. It dates back thousands of years and has roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts.

"Like Tai Chi, Qi Gong is a series of movements done with the intention of benefiting a part of the body, such as the lungs or kidneys," the Montgomery County Office of Public Health explained in announcing the new addition.

The circle, which includes eight stations with exercise rocks and instructions on wooden posts, is located near the Norristown Transportation Center, at 76 E. Lafayette Street. Officials say it is "easily spotted."

The discipline, centered around balance, even inspired a Star Wars character who championed "balance" to the Force: Episode 1's Qui-Gonn Jinn, played by Liam Neeson.

The county's Department of Health added that the installation was also meant to involve more community members in the use of the trail. Recent studies showed that many local residents were either unaware of the trail's existence, or thought that it was only for serious athletes.

It's the latest in the redesign and revitalizaiton of the trail in the Norristown area, which has also seen the addition of a Trail Junction Center, the Montco StoryWalk, and art exhibitions from the Brush with the Law and Expressive Path programs.