- Tai Chi improves mobility, strength and balance through slow, fluid movements combined with deep, controlled breathing.
- It is in the slow execution of the movements that lies the difficulty of Tai Chi, a discipline that requires much concentration.
- Suitable for all ages, Tai Chi is a low-impact activity that improves posture and promotes longevity.
Ifyou have seen the movie The Unexpected Intern you probably remember the scene in which Robert De Niro invites Anne Hathaway to join a Tai Chi class in the park.
In the comedy De Niro plays the part of a dynamic and vital man, ready to put himself out there without being held back or limited by his age.
The years should not condition us and make us give up new adventures.
Certain experiences the sooner we have them, the better.
Why wait to practice a discipline that could help us live better and longer?
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art from the Chinese tradition that was taught as a self-defense practice.
The modern declination of Tai Chi has a greater focus on relaxing the body, maintaining joint mobility and breathing.
The movements are performed literally in slow motion, very slowly in full control of each body part.
Sequences should be fluid and accompanied by deep, circular breathing, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. It is essential to be focused and present, with the body and mind, in the here and now.
This is why Tai Chi is also recognized as a form of active, moving meditation.
It sounds easy but it’s not
At a glance it may seem trivial to perform slow exercises that are not even too complex.
Instead, the difficulty lies precisely in the slowness, but also in the tightness, of each movement before moving on to the next.
Transitions must be smooth and smooth, without jerks.
The whole movements must be harmonious as if one were performing a ballet choreography.
Doing so will involve and tense many more muscles than you think.
Moving your arms and legs in space, “pushing” the air while trying to keep your balance, shifting your weight from one foot to the other may turn out to be more complicated than you think.
Tai Chi works on muscle strength and bone density.
To make the movements more intense you can use elastic bands and increase the intensity of each gesture.
It is a great alternative to a yoga or Pilates class, both in terms of workout benefits and longevity.
First to start…
… is half the battle.
With Tai Chi you can build a strong, healthy body that can accompany and sustain you through the years.
It gets you used to standing and managing your body weight, working on balance.
Knowing how to stand, still, maintaining correct posture is important to avoid finding yourself hunched over and sore tomorrow, with back and lower back pain.
It is the starting point from which any other movement takes shape.
You cannot start writing if you do not know the letters of the alphabet.
For the same reason, before you do any movement in space you have to learn how to stand properly.
And still it’s never too late
Tai Chi is a challenging, training and low-impact activity.
It is suitable for everyone, whatever your goal is.
Don’t let anything or anyone condition you.
If you want to try it, if you want to challenge yourself, do it.
You don’t have to give justifications or explanations.
Just carve out a quiet space, either in your living room at home or on a lawn in a park, and start moving, slowly and never stop breathing. (Via Insidehook)