WATCHING Richard Hobson and his students as they go through their routines is oddly relaxing. The flowing, fluid movements and stylised postures involved in what is known in this country as Chinese Physical Culture (CPC) have an almost hypnotic effect, even to the observer. And while the exercise, based on forms developed mor than thousands of years in China, isn't obviously energetic or exhausting, its benefits are enormous, says Richard.

"The activities don't look physically challenging," he concedes. "But there is a deep conditioning that takes place that has real health benefits."

Chinese Physical Culture is actually an amalgam of traditional Chinese forms of exercise including Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Chinese Yoga. There are different types of movement, each with their own benefits, as well as specialised breathing exercises, massage techniques, and dietary guidelines.

The 'cultural arts', for example, are slow, graceful movements that help to improve balance and reduce stress. Gentle stretching and toning exercises also help to stimulate circulation and increase flexibility. 'feng shou' involves more dynamic, dancelike movements, performed in harmony with a partner, which help to promote improvisation, sensitivity, fluidity and creativity. 'Chi shu', meanwhile, brings in a gentle gymnastic element, which aims to nurture the learner through basic to more skilful gymnastic movements, improving overall conditioning.

Then there is 'dao yin' - specialised deep breathing exercises which are invigorating, calming, and help boost vitality levels.

The physical exercises involved in CPC all have in common a fluidity and grace unusual to the Western eye - though very pleasing. "The movements are like swimming through air," says Richard. "There is a fluidity of movement and a self-control that you don't experience through other forms of exercise."

Richard is a teacher with the Leeds-based College of Chinese Physical Culture who runs classes once a week at Archbishop Holgate School in York. He is convinced of the many health benefits it brings. They include, he says, release of stress, improved energy and vitality, increased suppleness and flexibility, better co-ordination, balance and control, and even enhanced concentration and self-confidence.

He believes the exercise can even boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off illnesses such as coughs and colds. He has been practising for nearly 20 years. "And I seem to feel younger as the years go by!" he says.

But the really great thing about CPC, he says, is that the benefits aren't only confined to the young and active. Because it is so gentle and controlled, it is excellent for all ages.

That is born out by his students. Bookbinder Phil Winskill, 42, who lives just off the Hull Road in York, has been practising for four years. He used to do karate, judo, weight-lifting, and running. Now, apart from squash and "occasionally running the dog", Chinese Physical Culture is the only exercise he takes. "But I feel fitter from CPC than I ever used to," he says. "It has more of an effect than anything ever has."

Janet Masham, who is 66 and lives in Dringhouses, has been practising for 12 years - and came to Chinese Physical Culture from a different direction than Phil. "I took it up because I didn't want to do something like aerobics!" she admits. "I didn't want anything that energetic. I read somewhere about how many people over 55 cannot get out of a chair unaided, and it horrified me. But I wanted something that would give me plenty of exercise without having to throw myself around."

She finds the exercise has really helped her control, co-ordination and balance - and she also finds the breathing exercises useful at times of stress. Even though she is retired, she keeps busy as the secretary of York WEA and treasurer of York Ramblers. "I am quite busy," she says, "and sometimes I get a bit 'wow!'. But I can just stand there and do the breathing and it helps calm me down."

Richard's class, on Tuesday evenings at 8pm in the gymnasium at Archbishop Holgate School, is for the over-16s and aims initially to gradually introduce students to the principles of Chinese Physical Culture. It is a 28-week course, which leads to a certificate in CPC accredited by the National Open College Network. Learners are taught a number of moves that build up into routines they can practice at home. Sessions are free to the elderly, unemployed, or those on benefits, and cost £3 for the waged.

For those who want to continue practising and developing their skills, Richard also runs an "improvers group" at the school for learners such as Phil and Janet, which takes place immediately after the introductory class.

Richard's colleague Alex Boyd also runs a daytime class in York, at the Burton Stone Community Centre in Clifton from 11am to 12.30 lunchtime every Thursday.

Alex's class is slightly different, as it also includes work on literacy and IT skills as well as CPC.

Again, it is free for adults who are unemployed or receiving benefits.

To find out more about Chinese Physical Culture, call the College of Chinese Physical Culture on 0113 293 0630.