The external are directed toward training the skin, muscles and bones to resist attack from outside. The internal are aimed at controlling breathing and circulation to improve organic functions.
外功是練筋、骨、皮的外在力氣，使身體能承受外來的重壓；內功重在練氣，利用吸氣、吐氣，推動血液循環，以促進新陳代謝、增進內臟功能，使精力充沛。