Sportivate

Lishi (pronounced "Lee Sher") is an ancient system of Chinese exercise that involves moving and exercising your body in a variety of different ways that have proven positive benefits for your physical, mental and emotional health. Many people are familiar with Tai Chi, Yoga and Kung Fu, yet few have heard of Lishi, which encompasses all three of these disciplines and much more. With Lishi you learn to dance and to defend yourself, to breathe more effectively and to eat in a healthy way. Lishi is meditation in movement, a physical expression of a positive philosophy of life and a proven way to get fitter, healthier and more confident. Sportivate has given us an opportunity to work with young people. Young people have energy and our aim is to help them be in touch with that energy, to harness, control and direct it in positive ways. The Lishi exercises that we have used for this purpose have been exciting and challenging, for example staying safe while using a 4 foot long stick teaches self-discipline, physical control and both awareness of and respect for other people. It is also exhilarating, fun and satisfying.