Tai Chi’s “Meditation in Motion” Brings Health Benefits to All Ages, Fitness Levels

Have you experienced the many benefits of Tai Chi yet? People who practice Tai Chi report:

• Reduced stress, depression, anxiety
• Improved balance, muscle strength, flexibility
• Improved heart function
• Enhanced sleep
• Lower blood pressure
• Relief from chronic pain and stiffness
• Increased agility, endurance, energy
• Improved mood

In addition, you can practice Tai Chi regardless of your physical ability or age, it’s inexpensive, there’s no special equipment, you can do it indoors or out, and you can do it in a group or by yourself.

So what is it, anyway?

“Tai Chi is a centuries-old Chinese practice designed to exercise the mind and body through a series of gentle, flowing postures that create a kind of synchronized dance,” according to webmd.com. “Deeply rooted in Chinese meditation, medicine, and martial arts, tai chi (pronounced ‘tie chee’) combines mental concentration with slow, controlled movements to focus the mind, challenge the body, and improve the flow of what the Chinese call ‘qi’ (also spelled ‘chi’) – the life energy thought to sustain health and quiet the mind.”

Tai Chi’s more than 100 possible movements and positions provide low-impact, weight-bearing, and aerobic exercise and promote “serenity through gentle movements – connecting the mind and body,” according to mayoclinic.com.

There are many different styles of Tai Chi, including wu and yang; some focus on maintaining health and others focus on martial arts. The intensity of Tai Chi varies depending on the style or form practiced.

Tai Chi differs from other types of exercise because “movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joins are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched,” according to Harvard Health Publications.

Want to try it?

As always, check with your doctor before starting a new program, if you are older, have not exercised in a long time, or have a health condition, particularly if you are pregnant or have any of the following: severe osteoporosis; problems with your joints, spine, or heart; have a hernia; or if you have any fractures or sprains.

When you’re ready to begin, consider taking a class with a qualified instructor, such as the one we offer at the Warrenville Park District’s FitnessNOW Center, “Tai Chi for Health.” Taking a class will help ensure you receive the full benefits of the exercise and learn proper techniques (like how to regulate your breathing and how to practice tai chi safely).

Check out our Tai Chi class schedule on our Web site and join us some time soon. You may want to take advantage of the Warrenville Park District’s Flex Pass, which lets you take any available group class, including Tai Chi, any time you want, as many as you want, for one single low fee.

FREE! For a limited time, take one Tai Chi class FREE at the Warrenville Park District. Simply call our Registration Office at 630.393.7279 and mention this blog to receive this offer. You must sign a waiver to take advantage of the free class. Hurry: offer expires Aug. 31, 2012. Give it a try!