The ancient art of Tai Chi moves is translated in Chinese as "Supreme Ultimate Fist." This Chinese martial art originated many centuries ago, but is still popular today. Tai chi is deeply rooted in Chinese meditation, and it combines mental focus with controlled movements that are designed to challenge the body.
Tai chi, pronounced "tie chee," aims at increasing of what the Chinese call "Qi" (pronounced "chi"). To the Chinese, qi energy is responsible for calming the mind, increasing longevity, and sustaining good health.
The calculated movements of Tai Chi are slow, repetitive, and designed to synchronize the body and mind together.
Where to Find Tai Chi Instruction
Since its early inception, Tai Chi has been widely taught and practiced by many people. There areseveral forms of Tai Chi and numerous schools that concentrate on a variety of methods. However, most classes will teach the movements that are based on 13 foundational Tai Chi postures.
When you're looking for a Tai Chi class, you may want to consider what your goals are. There are some schools that will emphasize self defense and competition, while some will concentrate on the health and meditation benefits of Tai Chi.
You may also want to consider a class that has a low teacher to student ratio. A dedicated teacher will help you stay on track and will be able to spend more time with you.
Benefits of Tai Chi
Here are some of the benefits of Tai Chi:
1. Health Benefits
Tai chi has become popular in community centers, gyms, and health clubs across America. This low impact type of training provides practitioners with a sense of peace, better digestive health, increased flexibility, improved strength, increased coordination, and lower blood pressure.
2. Better Sleep
According to the Mayo Clinic, the Fitness blog combination of Tai Chi movements and mental concentration can start to provide benefits almost immediately. Tai chi participants have reported better sleep within the first couple of days.
3. Reduce Stress
One of the most significant benefits that frequent practice of Tai Chi can bring is stress reduction. Stress has been known to cause a wide array of medical problems for people.
Dr. Warren D. Conner, founder of the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Study Center of the Washington D.C., Metro Area explained that the basic principles of Tai Chi emphasize learning to relax and deep breathing. According to Dr. Conner, these 2 reasons alone make Tai Chi worth doing.
4. Burns Calories Safely
The low impact nature of Tai Chi allows many people with joint problems and other injuries a safer way to burn calories. According to a study completed by Harvard University, a 185 pound person burns 178 calories in just 30 minutes of Tai Chi participation.
5. Helps Chronic Conditions
A frequent Tai Chi routine can also help reduce the severity of many chronic conditions. Tai chi has been shown to help people with the following ailments: high blood pressure, diabetes, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and heart problems.
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