This month we take a look at Tai Chi, an ancient craft that’s suitable for any age and any stage.
Walk around any bustling Asian city in the early morning and you’re bound to see countless locals practicing the ancient craft of Tai Chi. Public parks, gardens and even balconies are filled with people of all ages starting the day with this form of moving meditation. With today’s fast pace of life, there’s a lot to be said about the discipline of starting the day at a relaxed speed, refocusing your energies and reducing stress.
What’s it all about?
Tai Chi is actually a form of ancient Chinese martial arts that evolved into the practice of slow, tranquil movements. It has many reported health benefits including suppleness, stress reduction, mental alertness, better balance and co-ordination and is thought to be partly responsible for healthy longevity in certain Asian nations.
Who is it right for?
Tai Chi is suitable for most people from children to the elderly and can be performed by pregnant women and those in wheel chairs. You don’t need a medical check to get started as the pace is kind enough on “not as fit as I used to be” bodies.
How to get started?
Like yoga and pilates there are plenty of do-it-yourself home helpers like books and DVDs. However, you generally need to have completed formal classes with an instructor before feeling confident or motivated to go it alone. The basic set of movements can take several months to learn the right technique. And it’s important that you practice until you can follow a sequence of moves as if on auto pilot. So sign up for a block of classes and give yourself plenty of time to find your groove.
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