Long periods spent sitting, staring at screens, rigid work schedules and lack of activity are all part of the modern lifestyle and over time these elements can have consequences for flexibility, posture, balance, energy and health. The combination of physical movement focused breathing, concentration and relaxation can be facilitated through mind-body exercise like Tai Chi.

Originating in China, Tai Chi is now practiced across the world to potentially promote overall health, as well as improving and maintaining physical and mental health. Because it is not a high impact workout involving slow and controlled flowing movements that can be adjusted to any level of fitness regular practice may benefit balance, body awareness, flexibility and relaxation while encouraging healthier life habits.

What Is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese mind body exercise performed with a series of flowing, slow movements in conjunction with breath and concentration. The movements typically involve a constant flow of motion rather than speedy, exertive exercise. The controlled posture and shift of body weight in Tai Chi is one of its many unique qualities. Learners gain more knowledge of the movements and are focused on where their body is at all times.Tai Chi’s usually low impact workout can be included in a wellness program with activities such as walking, stretching, strength training, or other exercise.

How Tai Chi Helps Improve Balance

Balance is essential in activities throughout the day, for example, walking, using stairs, turning and standing. Tai Chi involves continuous weight changes from one foot to the other, careful stepping, and turning and static balance postures. As you practice these, hopefully you will gain better control of your balance and weight distribution between your feet. Practising these movements on a regular basis could help to control your balance and co-ordination. This could benefit older adults, in particular.

Supports Better Flexibility and Mobility

Stiffness and restricted range of movement can happen over the course of the years or as a result of lack of activity. Everyday tasks such as reaching and moving around the kitchen can feel a bit more challenging when you get stiff joints and tight muscles. Tai Chi involves gentle flowing movement through range of movement you find comfortable and can increase the range of movement at the hips, knees, hips, ankles.

People will notice movement and an ease of movement when walking up hills, reaching up to the shelves of the kitchen, getting up from chairs, bending down or stretching. You are reminded not to force movements further than you are comfortable with

Strengthens Body Awareness

Tai Chi brings focus to posture, breathing, flow and weight distribution. This helps people become more aware of the body’s movement. Focusing body movement awareness and breathing during Tai Chi practice can help you become in tune with  your movements. You can become more aware of how you position your body at every point in the movements. Focusing body awareness also promotes more mindful movement and body position in your everyday tasks.

Promotes Relaxation and Stress Management

It’s often mentioned that physical health influences our mind. Stress has an adverse effect on rest, attention span, mood and the day’s energy levels.As Tai Chi is slow and controlled, it will help calm down as well as being performed with breathing techniques and a focused mind. Practicing in peaceful environments may help take people away from the computer and life’s hectic pace for a short period of time. By incorporating Tai Chi in to ones wellbeing regime one can aim to find positive ways of dealing with life’s day to day stress and find time to relax.

Supports Cardiovascular and Physical Wellness

It’s still a form of physical activity to a certain extent. Because of the continuous movement of body and physical activity, the amount and physical load according to the different style and intensity may play the role of the fitness effect for some people with different ages or conditions.

Long term adequate physical exercise not only good for heart rate function, muscle quality, joint flexibility, bodyweight control, etc., but also Tai Chi has some of these benefits and it can be a supplementary practice together with brisk walk, riding a bicycle, jogging, and swimming or resistance exercise of muscle strength. If people have ability to carry out high intensity of exercise should not replace those high-intensity activities in order to obtain a complete fitness.

May Support Healthy Ageing

The importance of physical mobility and autonomy increases with aging. Movement exercises promoting balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence are important for healthy aging.
Tai chi is often thought to be an accessible form of exercise since there is no need for costly equipment and a great deal of space; it is possible to do modified movements appropriate to the aging person’s capacity, but all first time exercisers with physical health conditions are advised to consult a professional regarding safe exercises.

How to Start Practicing Tai Chi

Beginners do not need to master an entire sequence immediately. Starting with a qualified instructor can help ensure that movements are performed safely and correctly.

A simple approach is to:

• Begin with short practice sessions.
• Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear.
• Choose a safe, level surface.
• Focus on slow and controlled movements.
• Coordinate movement with natural breathing.
• Avoid forcing painful or uncomfortable positions.
• Gradually increase practice time as comfort improves.

While attempting complex maneuvers at too great a rate is almost never a desired trait, consistency in almost any aspect will take precedence.

Tai Chi as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

Tai Chi can contribute towards overall better health when blended with several other good habits. A proper lifestyle comprises healthy food, enough sleep, exercise, water intake and stress management.

For people residing in fast paced Indian cities, a few minutes of Tai Chi in the morning or evening time at the convenience of the home, Local Park or a center for health & well-being would be beneficial as a physical activity to loosen the body and distress.

Conclusion

Enjoy a Move with Tai Chi Take a look into what is Tai Chi! Mind and body exercises such as Tai Chi’s movements, can create physical health, mental health, body awareness, as well as helping the movement quality as well. Tai Chi’s movements promote flexibility, balance, coordination, strength and can also enhance your posture, stress level and relaxation. It provides weight transfer and focus along with a set of breathing to encourage your mind body connection.

Tai Chi is one of our low impact movements so many people find it appealing, perhaps for those on the hunt for slow movements. You should always adjust the intensity based on your physical ability and anyone that may have considerable health issues should have adequate guidance. Enjoy regular practice and an active lifestyle. Be encouraged by Tai Chi as a tool to enjoy simple, meaningful movements and movement’s confidence.