What does tai chi do to your body?
Tai Chi is one of the "gentle" martial arts developed by the ancient Chinese. It is increasingly practiced in the West as a means of exercise and stress management. Tai Chi is a series of slow, controlled movements or positions, often practiced outdoors to take advantage of the surrounding energy of nature.
Special Note
If you are over 40 years old, overweight, have a chronic illness, or have not exercised regularly for a long time, you should consult your doctor before starting to practice tai chi rights or any other exercise program.
Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people with health conditions that may put them at higher risk of health problems during physical activity. This is a filter or “safety net” that helps you decide whether the potential benefits of exercise outweigh the risks for you. Print a copy of the pre-exercise screening tool and discuss it with your doctor or exercise specialist.
Physical Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi movements can be loosely described as shadow boxing or slow motion "shadow kung fu". Regular exercise can increase flexibility, strength and improve cardiovascular health. The emphasis on correct posture means tai chi can instill greater awareness of the body and how it moves through space. Tai Chi is also a form of meditation.
Learn Tai Chi
You can learn Tai Chi yourself using books and videos, but most practitioners recommend taking a reputable class and learning from an experienced teacher. People of all ages and fitness levels can practice tai chi and receive many health benefits. It's non-competitive and gentle.
You are probably searching for YouTube videos on the Internet. I think this is not the best way to learn Tai Chi. Just because you can follow a video doesn't mean you're practicing Tai Chi. In fact, you may just be following the instructor's movements.
A form of Tai Chi learned at home in this way will not receive most of the health benefits. As a practitioner of Tai Chi for thirty years, I have tried to learn different forms through videos. Yes, I could have learned a dance like Tai Chi, but it lacked the essence of Tai Chi.
A form of Tai Chi should be pressure tested. Your teacher should make sure your alignment is correct. The teacher will need to see you and align your body correctly. Even as your teacher corrects your posture and alignment, you must also feel what it means to neutralize and ground the incoming force. Tai Chi is a martial art and a way to gain awareness of your entire body.
Each Tai Chi position is a martial arts application of qigong. From beginning to end of the movement, you must let the energy flow without blockage in your body. Each Tai Chi pose is linked together to form a single movement. Here's how you maximize health benefits.
As a final option, if you do not have a local Tai Chi school with qualified Tai Chi instructors in your area, practicing Tai Chi at home may be an option.
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