Sick of step aerobics? Tired of tennis, but still want to stay in shape? If
you're looking for something to shake up your workout routine, try t'ai
chi. T'ai chi (pronounced: tie chee) is
great for improving flexibility and strengthening your legs, abs, and arms. Get
ready to "Part the Horse's Mane," and give t'ai chi a try!
What Is T'ai Chi?
When you think about martial
arts, karate and judo may come to mind. T'ai chi, also called t'ai chi chuan, is
also an ancient Chinese martial art form that was developed to enhance both
physical and emotional well-being.
 It's
been said that t'ai chi is a combination of moving yoga and meditation. A person
performs t'ai chi by practicing breathing exercises and a series of slow,
graceful, flowing postures simultaneously. The postures consist of
movements that are said to improve body awareness and enhance strength and
coordination. Many people who practice t'ai chi say that they feel more peaceful
and relaxed after a workout.
T'ai chi developed in ancient China as early as 225 AD. The ancient Chinese
believed that the body was filled with energy, or chi, but chi could
become blocked, causing illness and disease. By practicing t'ai chi exercises, a
person could help improve the flow of chi throughout the body and improve
health.
There are many different styles of t'ai chi, including:
- Chen style
- Hao (or Wu Shi) style
- Hu Lei style
- Sun style
- Yang style
- Zhao Bao style
The different types vary in intensity and focus. For example, Sun style
is known for its fast footwork. The low impact movements of Hao style can
be practiced by people who are elderly or have special needs.
Practicing t'ai chi improves strength, flexibility, and respiratory function.
In addition, the slow, graceful movements of t'ai chi, when done properly, pose
a low risk of injury.
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