We renewed our energy for the day at Valley of the Moon's Qigong class

This was perhaps our most unique workout experience yet.

If you go to Qigong at Valley of the Moon, you'll be stretching and meditating surrounded by a storybook landscape.

The park, with its grottos, pathways and fairy features, is hosting the contemplative class every Tuesday through Feb. 6.

A principle in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, Qi refers to that understanding of life force, so the idea of a Qigong (pronounced CHEE-gong) class is to cultivate that idea of energy.

More mindset than workout, just about anyone could take one of these classes.

Some background

• Angela is a fairly active mama in her early 40s. She tries to hit the gym at least three times a week (ok, ok, it's usually like once or twice) where she runs on the treadmill, lifts weights and takes classes. She loves the post-workout zen she feels after a good sweat session.

• Johanna is in her late 20s and gets by with 20-minute workouts every morning. Don't be too impressed. She keeps her pajamas on and lunges and crunches to YouTube videos while binge-watching Netflix. Every now and then she goes for a run and remembers she hates running.

Angela Johanna — Angela Pittenger, left, and Johanna Willett are your workout BFFs, giving you the 411 on fitness classes around Tucson.
Angela Pittenger

On the studio

Johanna: I had never been to Valley of the Moon before this, although I've read lots about it. As we were walking to the property's front lawn, where we had class, I was trying to catch glimpses of the magical setting. The grass was lovely, and there were chairs or yoga blocks spread out for comfortable seating.

I could hear water trickling somewhere in the background, adding to the serene vibe. Unfortunately, we could smell tar (or something) from nearby construction work. Less serene.

Angela: Yeah, the tar smell was gross. But, the class instructor had some incense so that helped a little.

I love Valley of the Moon. It's peaceful and calming, which is what you want for this type of exercise. It kind of felt like being in your best friend's back yard minus the wine. Comfortable and relaxing.

On the class

Johanna: This is less workout and more meditation through movement. Our instructor led us through gentle motions, often with the intention of loosening up tight necks and shoulders (or maybe that's just what I need to relax).

I appreciated how moving slow forced me to move intentionally, but I have to admit, I struggled with the talk about Qi and energy. Because those aren't beliefs I share, I had a hard time with the spiritual bent of the class.

Angela: You'll definitely feel the calm, rather than the burn in this class.

I especially enjoyed the flow portions of the exercise. I do flow yoga, so it reminded me of that, but less intense, which was lovely.

The instructor was friendly and reminded us to be curious and not judgmental, which I loved because I am my own worst critic. He was also good at explaining how to do things and why we were doing them.

There were some intentionally silly parts which made me laugh. I was relieved when the instructor acknowledged the silliness. He also made a good point that when you're doing that, the tension doesn't know what to do, so it kinda goes away.

There was a good mix of people — young, older, men, women — which made it comfortable.

If you need to find some calm and focus, this is a good practice to start. I went in a little stressed and I definitely felt more relaxed and centered afterward, which is exactly what I needed this morning.