Learning Tai Chi
Tai Chi combines movement, meditation and breathing, to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body, to increase both physical and mental well-being.
Tai Chi is one of the most broadly applicable systems of self-care in the world and is suitable for both young and old alike.
In China, it is estimated that 300 million people alone practice Tai Chi.
Tai Chi however is not just practised in China, in the 20th century it spread throughout the world and as we enter the 21st century, it is more popular than ever.
Tai Chi - The Form
There are several styles of movement and approaches to Tai Chi, some of them historic and some developed in recent years.
Each has its own individual charteristics and carries the name of the clan or family who developed it i.e. Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun etc.
All the principles of Tai Chi are put into practice in a non stop sequence of moves called the form.
Each Tai Chi style has its own distinctive way of presenting the form in terms of: The postures included, the order in which they appear, the way they are performed and finally, how long the form actually takes to complete.
Although the different styles of Tai Chi present the form in different ways, the purpose and the philosophy behind them is the same.
Tai Chi & Health
When Tai Chi is practised, the movement creates streams of energy to flow through the body.
In the philosophy of Tai Chi, it is said Chi (life energy) follows the mind, each posture and movement creates a different energy flow that, has a benifital overall affect on overall well-being.
Tai Chi stimulates circulation, aligns the skeleton and joints correctly, stimulates the organs of the body and helps digestion.
It increases muscle tone, strength, improves balance and co ordination and improves breathing.
Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits; by raising energy levels, it also affects the mind and the spirit.
Tai Chi focuses thought, so that mind and body energy works together as one. When practising Tai Chi, people find that they are not just physically fitter but, happier, more alert, have greater mental focus and are more creative.
It is this harnessing of mental and physical energy that makes Tai Chi not just a form of exercise; it makes it a life enhancing experience.
Learning Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an exercise for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.
The movements of Tai Chi are non-strenuous, relaxed, slow moving, soft, and flowing.
It has often been described as moving meditation, as it relieves stress and improves concentration.
It is the gentleness and slowness of Tai Chi that makes it so applicable to everyone as a form of exercise.
When you watch Tai Chi being performed, it looks effortless but this comes from a considerable amount of practice.
When taking up Tai Chi it is best to pick an experienced teacher, who can guide motivate and encourage you. Simply, go with someone you are comfortable with.
The style of Tai Chi you pick Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun or any other form, is down to personal preference; the benefits described however apply to all styles.
Re Vitalise offer a warm welcome to both novice and experienced Tai Chi pupils. In addition to offering regular tuition there are several weekend breaks available.
To learn more about our services go to:
http://www.re-vitalise.co.uk
Lack of flexibility is now seen to be a major... Read More
Have you ever suffered from shoulder discomfort after working out?... Read More
For many people out there trying to become more energised... Read More
Many women's lifestyle magazines frustrate us by providing exercise regimens... Read More
For approximately 80-90% of people that suffer from asthma, exercise... Read More
Quite often a client will come into the gym discouraged... Read More
For many years exercise science has perpetuated the concept of... Read More
1. Cardio in Combination with Strength Training- If you need... Read More
Back exercises are often prescribed effectively as an alternative to... Read More
Lower back pain is an increasingly common problem in fact... Read More
The last seven years, or so, at the Tour de... Read More
If I had to pick a single factor that I... Read More
One out of five American kids is obese and the... Read More
Humans are habitual. They strive on routine and rituals. While... Read More
So you want to lose weight? Chances are, you'll spend... Read More
Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that... Read More
There are people who are fond of getting an exercise... Read More
A valid connection between hypoglycemia, fatigue and premature termination of... Read More
Are there flat tummy exercises that are the best for... Read More
Synergy: the working together of two or more things, people,... Read More
VO2 max is defined as the maximal amount of oxygen... Read More
If you want a good night, then avoid two of... Read More
With a few minor adjustments it is possible to get... Read More
I have to admit that I sometimes find it amusing... Read More
Exercise is often regarded as a panacea for many things..."if... Read More
Plateau. That dreaded word that you do not want to... Read More
The best exercise for the stomach is probably not the... Read More
There is hardly a week that passes without an article... Read More
Recent studies have shown that if you perform just five... Read More
In our 'Stretching' article series (http://optimumlife.co.nz/Fitness%20Articles/Stretching/Stretching1.htm), we discussed why it's... Read More
Ever since I took a power walking class in college,... Read More
Exercising and dieting are tasks that are very difficult for... Read More
1. Cardio in Combination with Strength Training- If you need... Read More
There's plenty of evidence that an essential component of a... Read More
For most of us we live in a black and... Read More
Even when you cannot make it out to walk or... Read More
There's been a lot of buzz recently about Interval Training.... Read More
There are people who are fond of getting an exercise... Read More
So you want to lose weight? Chances are, you'll spend... Read More
Many people think that creating a home workout gym is... Read More
This is a list of ten common mistakes made during... Read More
4. Ideas, goals and dreams have a shelf life. The... Read More
Do you hit the gym in the morning, before your... Read More
Quite often runners and exercisers experience painful muscle cramping either... Read More
If you are a seasoned runner you know the importance... Read More
There are hundreds of different programs for professional triathlon training... Read More
"Life walking" is more than walking for exercise and fitness... Read More
A question I am frequently asked by females is, "What... Read More
These days many people spend a significant part of their... Read More
Do you ever feel like you are working out so... Read More
Exercise & Fitness Exercise & Fitness |