I joined the challenge on 1 August because supporting MND was meaningful to me. I personally work with people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the community, so I have seen first-hand the devastating nature of this condition, the symptoms people experience, and the immense challenges they and their families face. 

What I didn’t realise when I started was just how much I would personally learn and gain from this journey with you.

Qigong was completely new to me. Over the 21 days, you opened my eyes to a different way of moving, breathing 😮‍💨 😊 and connecting with myself. I learned so much—not only about Qigong, but also about discipline, commitment, consistency and taking time to look after myself.

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As a Nurse and someone who teaches others about end of life care I find it really easy to preach and less easy to practise self care!

Having followed Stuart and the 21 day challenge I realise that 20 minutes a day can be integrated really easily into my every day life - I have resisted and ignored for a seriously long period of time -possibly decades! - and the last three weeks have shown me the  gentle power of just turning up, no judgement but just being - for me and part of a community! I find my work much easier having taken time for me in the morning!

Not to be under estimated- thank you and I will continue x

Being a health care professional myself, I find it hard, at times, to stop and turn the focus to myself. It was very interesting to observe the changes and mindset shift in the 21 days of the Qigong challenge. I have intentionally committed to spending 20min of each morning following Stuart’s guidance in learning Qigong moves, noticing my breath, areas of ease and tension, feet against the floor, tingling in my hands and much more. 20mins out of a day is not a lot, yet the shifts that I felt stayed with me the whole day. Coming back to myself, reconnecting and grounding with my feet in between seeing my clients, focusing on ease of breath when challenged by difficult and stressful situation or decision making. I realized that I was looking forward to getting up each morning to learn more about myself. I have never done Qigong before, yet it resonated in me and I have found 21 days was enough to continue with some of the movements by myself. Stuart has put together a very useful resource for anyone to use. The explanations are easy to follow, reassuring when the brain gets muddled up with unusual movement or a new concept. I really enjoyed reading the blogs too, Stuart has done an in depth research into chronic stress and the impact on our health. I have learnt so much from doing the classes and reading the blogs that I can use this as part of my own CPD. I am also able to use some of the movements for my own clients as it is a gentle and doable. An approach that anyone can benefit from. I feel blessed being part of the community that Stuart has developed around his teachings, I look forward to regular online sessions and in person workshops that he runs.

Thank you Stuart for being an endless source of inspiration on how to look after my own health and for being able to pass some of your knowledge to my clients.

As a chiropractor (now retired), I was always particularly interested in the flow of energy through the body and in helping patients identify areas of tension or “blockage” within the nervous system that might be contributing to symptoms such as joint, bone or muscular pain. For me, treatment was not simply about the site of the pain, but about looking at the body as a whole and considering where normal movement, relaxation and communication within the nervous system might have become disrupted.

More recently, after completing Stuart’s 21-day Qi Gong challenge, I was struck by how closely its principles resonated with that approach. Through slow movement, breathing and increased body awareness, I began to recognise areas where I had been unconsciously holding tension and, importantly, learned how to let some of that tension go. In my case it was mainly in the jaw area (no comment thanks friends and family!)

As those areas relaxed and movement became easier, I noticed that some of my own physical symptoms reduced or disappeared. It has given me a new appreciation of how Qi Gong may help us become more aware of what our bodies are doing — and of the changes that can occur when we stop holding on to unnecessary tension.

I whole heartedly recommend you give this a try - just 20 minutes a day is all it takes

Stuart is a truly inspirational leader, and many thanks to him for all the encouragement and support he provided throughout the challenge and beyond

A whole new experience, 21 days of Qigong - Each day Stuart encourages me to tune into my body, noticing any areas of tension/tightness,  or breath holding. With a cue to soften and breathe Stuart invites me to notice any tingling or warmth as he takes me through a series of gentle slow movements aimed to facilitate the flow of energy through my body.

Using yoga postures, micro-movement, breath-work and energy flow - I feel my nervous system unwind as my internal awareness becomes more highly tuned, leaving me feeling more relaxed and calmer. My movements and breath feel lighter with less resistance and so much freer - especially around my ribs and shoulders .

Such a gentle approach and so nourishing for my body!

Give it a try… you won’t regret it!!

Hi Stu. Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed the 21 day programme -  I wasn't sure what I had signed up for but really liked how I felt after each session. …its been brilliant🤩 and has really helped my breathing  as it’s much deeper and more calming - also finding my running breathing is better too. It has also actually stopped me rushing around for a bit of time too - a huge bonus for me. Working in healthcare makes you realise how our lifestyles have got so much worse and a lot people just dont look after themselves anymore.

An amazing effort by you for such a worthy cause . Thank you. X

Thank you for the amazing 21-days of this beautiful matutine journey of Qigong and Yoga supporting the MND Association. 

It was all I needed, and more than that, it made me feel supported and heard in different ways. 

I was happy to be able to support such an important cause, but in the end, I think I was the one who got the gift. 

Our mornings helped me to be more grounded and to look at the situation from outside. It also made me feel as part of something much bigger than the challenge I was living (still coming out of it). 

So, thank you Stuart. 

Thank you for being the light in people's lives. 

I have always enjoyed yoga practice, but the 21-day Qi Gong challenge that Stuart offered this summer in support of the charity MNDA has been extraordinary. For me, it has bought together movement and breathing in a way I have not fully experienced before. His knowledge of Chinese medicine and thinking which underpins Qi Gong practice makes so much sense, as it recognises the importance of understanding energy, meridians and flow, and noticing and awakening areas of blockage. My hip is so much easier, the pain has reduced and I have much more range of movement. I also feel energised and positive after a session.

Stuart has a talent for explaining things, he has teaching skills which enable everyone, whatever their ability or none, to connect to the practice. He is approachable, positive, and enthusiastic and makes everyone feel safe, valued, and part of a community. This is rare when you start a new practice and philosophy for the first time and Stuart helps people understand there is not a perfect time to start a practice, but why not start now. His written blogs explain the underpinning philosophy and knowledge base, so as you can apply this to your practice which I find very helpful.

Stuart is always curious, constantly learning and imparting his knowledge through exercise, movement, and breathing. His positivity is infectious. He is generous with his time an all-round good human and teacher, and I am proud to be part of the Stuart Robertson yoga / Qi Gong community.

I have really enjoyed Stuart’s 21 day Qigong Challenge for MNDA! Coming downstairs each morning feeling slightly groggy then, within 20 minutes, replaced by feeling of invigoration but also calm. Stuart is such a great teacher… his explanations on the philosophy of Qigong and guidance on breathing practice were really helpful and, as we watched onscreen, the repetitive and flowing sequences were clear and easy to follow. A fantastic way to start each day and I am now continuing with a routine every morning based on what we have learnt.  

Thank you Stuart! 

​I absolutely loved taking part in the 21 day challenge, and am so grateful for the tools it gave me to continue with the practice since. Having had treatments with Stuart and been to his workshops I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes, yet it still doesn’t cease to amaze me each time! As a rather fast person I truly appreciated the reminder and practice of slowing down and being present, and left each session feeling much more grounded. It had a ripple effect on those around me too, particularly the kids who also joined some, as did my mum and there was something rather magical about practicing as three generations, thank you so much Stuart x

I have just completed the 21 day Qigong/Yoga MND challenge .

A great calming and relaxing way to start the day! The 20 minute slot was great to focus the mind and body, not always easy.

Stu had a calm and relaxed manner and this is reflected in the sense of calm doing the sessions.

Concentrating on breathing definitely creates a calm and focused start to the day. Without being excessively strenuous it prepares the body/mind for the day ahead and shows that personal health is so important for everyone.

Highly recommended Stu’s work whatever your level of experience. You just need an ‘open’ mind to new ideas! 🌞

​This is how the 21 day challenge has changed me: …..Today I went for a run. Of course I was very stiff ….so I stopped in the local park. I didn't do loads of stretching…. I did a bit then did my breathing exercises instead. After 5 mins of that i jogged along the river Ouse in complete comfort.  I got back, did some press ups and sit ups but cut them short so I could do more breathing and qigong movements…. and felt completely ready for the day ahead. I'm planning, when we go back to school to get up 15mins earlier so I can do the various movements... in other words, at 62 I'm very much looking forward to changing my routines because I know that it will benefit me. I honestly loved it!

Just a quick note to say thank you so much for the 21 Days MND Challenge…. I LOVED IT!! Your tutorship has changed my philosophy and enhanced my well being significantly; you are a fabulous tutor!! That’s coming from a BEd grad and senior military commander( rtd).

....I have just completed a 21-day Qigong / yoga challenge led by Stu and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I discovered the benefits of controlled breathing and the powerful connection between breath, movement and mindfulness. For someone so used to running and cycling in the morning, each session provided a positively contrasting calming and peaceful start to the day. Stu led the sessions in a totally supportive and encouraging manner where his humour shone through. His approach was underpinned by a deep-rooted understanding of the physiological benefits associated with Qigong and yoga which gave the sessions both depth and credibility. I particularly enjoyed the way the exercises were closely aligned to mindfulness: I am determined to prioritise these two aspects of 'personal health' on a daily basis. I would highly recommend Stu's sessions / approach to anyone: it's a  'win-win' opportunity🙂

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I joined the 21 Day Challenge to support my old friend Stu, and his goal to raise money for the MND Association, ….. What I got in return was a brilliant experience and a much improved sense of well-being. The 20 mins of stretching, breathing and mindful movements provided a far superior physical and psychological start to my day compared to my normal routine. I now try to replicate this every day for myself and would highly recommend it to others too.