Tai Chi Workout

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts which is often used for health and fitness reasons. In its early stages of development, Tai Chi was faster than it is today. It was a form of martial arts that values slow as well as fast movement in order to improve a person’s mental focus as well as his or her body’s energy. Because of the internal aspect, it is considered a soft form of martial arts. Today, though the fast part of Tai Chi is not often used, the main focus is still on the meditative as well as the physical aspects of the forms.

Cost: $60 to $100 per month

Depending on where you practice Tai Chi, you can expect to pay $60 to $100 a month for classes. If you decide to practice at home, your only costs may be an exercise mat and learning resources like books or DVDs.

Activity Locations: Home or Gym

Until you are familiar with the movements performed in Tai Chi, it's a good idea to enroll in a class or hire a personal trainer to help you learn proper form and safe exercise techniques.

Types of Movements

There are many forms in Tai Chi. In western culture, Tai Chi is generally thought of as a series of slow movements although many have secondary forms which are much faster. Though it is usually practiced as a solo exercise, partner forms are known as well. The forms usually are used to emphasize a straight spine and are performed as a sequence of very slow movements. Focus on abdominal breathing and smooth movement is necessary.

The movement should cover a person’s usual range of motion and prepare him or her to defend his or herself. The concept is that when force is met with another hard force, injury is likely. If one follows through with the attacker’s force, less injury is likely and the attacker can be worn down and then defeated. The person must be able to gauge his or her attacker’s center of gravity and movements and use that to catch him or her off guard.

Mental and Physical Requirements

The movements in Tai Chi are designed to work all the muscles used in a normal person’s range of motion. Though many muscles are used, the mind’s control over the muscles is also a key factor in the practice of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is often used for people with some underlying medical conditions. Positive results have been seen in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients with exercises from Tai Chi. The level of LDL decreases between 20 and 26 mg on average when Tai Chi, in combination with yoga, is practiced for 12 to 14 weeks. It has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adolescents.

Equipment Requirements

Exercise Mat
Comfortable Clothing

Mental and Physical Benefits

Mental

Improved Mood
Reduced Anxiety
Decreased Stress
Improved Self-Esteem
Improved Focus

Physical

Weight Loss
Improved Immune System
Better Cardiovascular Function
Increased Resilience
Decreased Blood Pressure

Aerobic Effect

Modern Tai Chi usually uses slow movements that do not increase the heart rate significantly. Because of this, it is usually regarded as anaerobic even though the body’s use of oxygen is improved through the abdominal breathing and movements. Riverside plumbing specialists serving Moreno Valley, Perris & all surrounding areas. Specializing in complex leak detection and repair.

Tai Chi is a great way to relieve stress due to the state of calm and clarity the focus on the forms and breath can bring. Excess tension in muscles can also be reduced.

Since the forms encourage a straight spine, posture can be improved by practicing Tai Chi. Circulation and flexibility are improved as well. There is evidence that respiration is improved and cardiovascular risks are reduced through the practice of Tai Chi.

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