The balletic art of Tai Chi can often leave people confused...
Is it a dance, a martial art, mystical exercises, for the elderly, or just something that very strange people do? Perhaps the following information helps...
As an ancient Chinese exercise form developed over 3,000 years ago, Tai Chi is now highly regarded for its ability to improve general health and well-being.
Often known as "Meditation in Movement", a sequence of repetitive gentle moves allows you to explore even the slightest postural imbalance. This develops high levels of concentration, self-awareness and internal peace.
Working alongside this are increased levels of muscular strength, flexibility, agility, balance and co-ordination leading to a healthier, and longer, life.
Breathing exercises are also practised, using a variety of techniques, to increase the ability to absorb and utilise oxygen. This aids the excretion of toxins and helps in general underlying health. During, and after, practise you become re-energised which promotes your own natural energy, or Chi, as the Chinese say.
Combining these factors, the Mind and the Body are addressed, but being in classes with like minded people and enjoying the thrill of personal success in your practising really does affect the Spirit.
Great for all ages
Tai Chi is good at any stage of an individual’s life. Whether it be to improve fitness, control anger, de-stress, rehabilitate from injury, improve balance & co-ordination, or simply to help someone become a calmer, more relaxed person living in harmony with themselves and the world.
Keeping mobility in the joints and mind allows an individual to enhance their quality of life and enjoy a longer, fitter lifestyle. As the physical condition of the body deteriorates, it is necessary to undertake more gentle, but nevertheless, equally challenging, activity. This philosophy is increasingly recognised in the West. Tai Chi is recommended by the NHS and the Royal Society of Physiotherapists.
Some of the numerous benefits are:-
- Active brainwork combats mental deterioration,
- Better balance and co-ordination prevents falls and trips,
- Participation with others increases social interaction removing social isolation,
- Breathing exercises can aid respiratory problems,
- Mobilisation improves flexibility alongside general quality of life..
The list goes on but, most of all, it is very enjoyable.
—Sifu Steve