Paul J Underwood · North London

It’s never too late to start.

As we get older our fitness needs change and evolve with us. I’m here to guide you through those changes with care and expertise.

Paul Underwood holding a Tai Chi stance

True vitality isn’t about running marathons. It’s the freedom to move through your day without pain, the strength to play with your grandkids and the balance to feel confident in every step.

30+years of experience
1-1tailored to you, in a private studio
30minute assessment, completely free
8places only in each Qi Gong class

Two ways to work with Paul

Strength for the body. Stillness for the mind.

1-1 senior personal training

Dedicated, tailored plans created to help you improve your life. Whether it’s strength, mobility or energy you want to improve, and whether you’re pushing existing goals or starting for the first time.

See sessions and prices

Tai Chi & Qi Gong classes

Gentle guided movements, suitable for all ages, that benefit the mind, body and soul. In the studio or online via Zoom, so your fitness and mindfulness journey can suit your schedule.

See classes and times
A client lifting dumbbells overhead in the studio

Why train?

Benefits you’ll feel every day.

  1. Improve your health

    After a conversation, I’ll listen to your needs and concerns and make a plan just for you.

  2. Increase strength

    Through supported sessions, gain the ability to sit down and stand up on your own.

  3. Freedom of movement

    Work towards completely self-reliant movement.

  4. Balance your mind

    Ease the burden of the everyday with dedicated support towards improving your mobility.

  5. Weight loss

    To help you move freely and confidently.

  6. Easily contactable

    I’m on your side throughout this process, ready to listen to your goals or worries.

In his own words

Is your loved one struggling with mobility?

How does a first session work?

One step at a time, at your pace.

First

A free 30-minute assessment

We’ll start with a completely free, in-person assessment to talk about any goals or concerns you may have.

Next

Workouts tailored to you

I’ll start to tailor workouts to your needs, focusing on the goals you want to prioritise.

Then

A plan that moves with you

While we work together, we adapt your fitness plan and push you to progress and reach your goals in a supportive environment.

Longevity assessment

Is your body building “functional armour”?

Discover your current level of mobility with this free 60-second check. It’s gentle, insightful, and you can do it right from your living room.

Five questions, your score straight away, and nothing to sign up for. This is a friendly guide, not medical advice. Answer from how you usually feel, and hold on to something sturdy if you try any of it.

Personal training

Simple prices. Better value in bundles.

Single session

£70 per session

A purchase of a single session.

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4 sessions

£67.50 per session

Four 60-minute sessions. The total bundle price is £270.

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Best value

8 sessions

£65 per session

Eight 60-minute sessions. The total bundle price is £520. Extra sessions can be added at £65 each.

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Trouble deciding? Send Paul a message, or start with the free 30-minute assessment. Terms and conditions

Paul Underwood in his Art of Qi Fitness vest, holding a medicine ball

Welcome to Art of Qi Fitness

I’m Paul. Over 30 years guiding people to move better.

I’m a Level 4 Senior Fitness Specialist. As we get older our fitness needs change and evolve along with us, and I’m here to guide you through those changes with care and expertise.

I work with clients of all levels, from those pushing their existing goals to new limits or starting their fitness journey for the first time, to those managing conditions like Parkinson’s or Cerebral Palsy. My approach is personalised, whether it’s strength, mobility or energy you want to improve.

Based in North London, I also teach Tai Chi and Qi Gong, practices that enrich both mind and body.

  • Level 4 Senior Fitness Specialist Personal Trainer
  • WTBA Registered Taijiquan Instructor
  • BSc (Hons) Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Cert. Medical Qi Gong
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education

It’s never too late to start. — Paul

Taijiquan, the supreme ultimate

Find your class. Find your calm.

Like any art, Taijiquan requires dedication to learn, but it is a wonderful system of physical and mental development. Practise regularly and you develop strength, suppleness and inner calm.

  • Wed

    Qi Gong at Ground Studio, N4

    45 minutes of gentle guided movement, suitable for all ages. Only 8 places per session.

    Book my place
  • Fri

    Tai Chi for balance, wellbeing & fitness, Morley College

    10.30–12.00. Term fees apply.

    Book
Paul leading a Tai Chi class in the mirrored studio at Ground Studio
What are the benefits?
  • Improved strength, conditioning, coordination and flexibility
  • Reduced pain and stiffness
  • Better balance and lower risk of falls
  • Enhanced sleep
  • Greater awareness, calmness and overall sense of wellbeing
Taiji Qigong for health & healing

Suitable for beginners and all people able to walk unaided. Mainly aimed at those more senior in age, we study Yang Cheng Fu’s simplified 108-movement long (qigong) form. The emphasis in this friendly class is developing functional fitness without the martial training.

Class schedule: resistance and cardiovascular exercises, stretching, standing qigong, Neigong medical qigong 12 meridian healing system, taiji form. Cool-down acupressure massage tapping and closing meditation.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is the ancient practice that Taiji originates from, essentially Taoist yoga. These movements provide a light form of exercise designed to work on specific areas of the body, such as the heart or lungs. Most Qi Gong exercises can be practised by anyone.

Success stories

“Learning with Paul is a transformatory experience.”

Dorothy Byrne, on Google

I am 78 years old. Just under two years ago I decided I needed help to have a routine of exercise as my energy and strength had become a serious issue. Paul has provided me with this routine. To my surprise I really enjoy this new structure in my life.

Brian Cordrey

I can honestly say that Paul Underwood has changed my life for the better. The benefits to my balance, overall health and mind are remarkable.

Marianne Porter

After seeing about 6 different physiotherapists over the years I can honestly say Paul’s exercises are the most fun to do whilst really addressing the root of the problem.

Hilary, personal training

I also put my parents in touch with him and he has helped them by devising a tailored fitness program suited to their individual needs.

Victoria Benjamin

Paul always keeps the training sessions fun and interesting. He has helped me to become fitter again after breaking a bone in my foot.

Kim Staniland, personal training

Paul’s qi gong sessions were the perfect start to the day for our physician health conference. Attendees were relaxed and invigorated.

International Conference on Physician Health 2014, British Medical Association

Wish I’d signed up sooner!

Pam, personal training

I’m a very reluctant fitness client! He understood what I needed to work on to get the most benefit. My strength definitely improved and I even enjoyed some of it! Highly recommended.

Rita Shamia

I started this class nervously about a year ago, as a complete beginner. Nerves were unnecessary; it is entirely reassuring.

Jill Hodges

For people like me who don’t enjoy training usually, his gentle encouragement is transformational.

Catherine Fennimore, personal training

Since the first lockdown he has been teaching me Tai Chi & Qi Gong every week outdoors in temperatures ranging from 3 to 33 degrees!

Jess Finer

The sessions are easily the best 60 minutes of my week; well paced and enjoyable.

Nanije

He is at the very top of his profession.

Roger Benjamin

After four years of amazing tai chi classes with Paul, I still learn something new each week.

Caroline Eason

Ready to take the first step?

Let’s talk.

Fill in the form to start a fitness journey for you, or on behalf of someone else. Paul will get in contact to arrange your free 30-minute assessment.

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