Meditation
in Motion: How Tai Chi Can Help You Relax and Stay Fit
Tai Chi is considered a low-impact exercise, older adults can achieve great benefits from Tai Chi. Its slow movements make it a safe and easily doable exercise for older adults. In addition to what has already been mentioned, this form of exercise strengthens and stretches your muscles which will increase your flexibility and helps to improve the quality of life in older adults.
If you're looking for a low-impact form of exercise that offers a big impact on your health, you might want to consider Tai Chi.
What
is Tai Chi?
Tai
Chi is a series of slow deliberate movements. It incorporates deep
breathing and mental focus as part of its routine. Some consider Tai
Chi to be meditation in motion.
This form of low-impact exercise promotes both physical and mental well being through exercise and relaxation.
Because
of its many health benefits Tai Chi is considered a form of
traditional Chinese medicine.
It's
a great way to improve your balance, flexibility and cardio health.
It can help you manage chronic pain, reduce symptoms of stress and
anxiety and help alleviate sleep disorders.
Where
did Tai Chi come from?
The
roots of Tai Chi have been traced back to ancient china. It was first
developed as a martial art (Kung Fu) used for self-defense. Over the
years it has been transformed into less of a martial art and more of
a modern form of exercise that has more recently gained in popularity
throughout the world.
Does
Tai Chi benefit older adults?
Yes
it does. Because it is considered a low-impact exercise, older adults
can achieve great benefits from Tai Chi. Its slow movements make it a
safe and easily doable exercise for older adults. In addition to what
has already been mentioned, this form of exercise strengthens and
stretches your muscles which will increase your flexibility and helps
to improve the quality of life in older adults.
Tai
Chi can also boost the function of your immune system by stimulating
the flow of energy throughout your body. This energy flow can improve
your mood and help you to think more clearly.
How
do you learn to do Tai Chi?
There
are several ways you can learn how to do this low-impact form of
exercise.
You can take classes. There are several benefits to this. A qualified instructor can give you immediate feedback. An instructor can offer you professional guidance in order to maximize its health benefits and prevent injury. The social aspect of exercising with a group can be a very rewarding social experience.
You
can learn by using online videos. Videos will allow you to learn at
your own pace and give you the leeway to choose the time and
frequency of your instruction.
Books
and DVD's are also available for those who would rather learn this
way.
No
matter how you decide to learn Tai Chi, the important thing is to
start out slow. Stay focused on using the proper techniques and
practicing good form. Stay in tune with your body. It will let you
know when you can increase the intensity and the length of your
exercise routine. This will come in the form of greater strength,
flexibility and endurance. When you're ready to step it up a notch,
you'll know it.
How
easy is it? Here are the basics.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Relax your shoulders and arms.
- Breath deeply and slowly.
- Move in a flowing motion between postures.
- Keep yourself centered and balanced as you shift your weight from foot to foot.
- Keep focused on a single point in front of you.
Other
than learning to perform the movements using proper form, there's not
much more to it than that.
Conclusion:
Tai Chi is an excellent form of low-impact exercise that will help
you keep your valued quality of life as you grow older.
It will do this by improving your balance, strength and flexibility. It can help you reduce your stress and anxiety levels as well. If you take classes it will also help you to be more socially interactive which is an important aspect for retired seniors.
You Might Also Like These Articles on Low-Impact Exercises
The Benefits of Yoga for Senior Citizens
As we age, exercise becomes an important factor in our overall health. A low-impact exercise like yoga might be just what you need.
Low-Impact Exercises: Walking
Walking is one of the best forms of low-impact exercise for seniors of all fitness levels.
low impact exercises-Qi Gong: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Qi Gong is a low-impact exercise that works to both strengthen and heal your body. It is a holistic system of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
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