by C.J.W. on Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:06 pm
Other than lower the stance, I feel that the intensity at which Zhan-Zhuang is performed is also a big factor.
I used to practice a hard southern family style that focuses on developing iron body and explosive power through ZZ by expanding and stretching the muscles, fascia, and tendons to the maximum while utilizing specific breathing techniques. The type of ZZ I learned is so intense and uncomfortable that, when done right, you shouldn't be able to hold a posture for more than a few minutes without gassing out. (If you can, it means you are not working the muscles, fascias, and tendons hard enough.)
My teacher used to compare this type of "heavy-duty" ZZ practice to "sprinting" as opposed to "jogging," which is what most people who practice ZZ for long hours are doing.