| Every morning as you make your way to work, | | | | a certain amount of moving that could be a |
| you pass a group of people standing in one place | | | | problem for pregnant women in later trimesters. |
| and moving their limbs in slow movement. How is | | | | Coping with changes in body size, lifestyle and |
| that exercise, you wonder, since nothing vigorous | | | | work can be stressful for a pregnant woman. |
| is happening? However, that is exactly how Tai | | | | This is where the mediation portion of Tai Chi |
| Chi, or 'Supreme Ultimate Force' as the Chinese | | | | kicks in. Deep breathing and helping the mind to |
| characters translate, works. | | | | focus on the slow repetitive movements of the |
| What is Tai Chi? | | | | breathing, provides relief to these external |
| Tai Chi can be described as a moving form of | | | | changes. Tai Chi also teaches patience and |
| yoga combined with mediation. Even though many | | | | enhancing such a quality would be beneficial |
| of the movements, known as forms or sets, | | | | especially when the baby arrives. What can a |
| have roots in martial arts, they are performed | | | | woman be more concerned about then stability |
| slowly, softly and gracefully. In the midst of much | | | | when she pregnant? A research conducted at |
| speculation of its origin, Tai Chi is said to have | | | | Emory University in 1996 proved that practicing |
| begun in the 12th century with the legendary | | | | Tai Chi helped reduce the chances of falling by |
| Chang San-Feng. | | | | almost 50%. |
| Tai Chi theory and practice evolved with many of | | | | Tai Chi not only helps mothers-to-be, but children |
| the principles of Chinese philosophy, including both | | | | as well. In England, Mrs. Anne D'Souza, 26, a |
| Taoism and Confucianism. | | | | teacher at Broad Town Church of England School |
| "Stay sung (relax). When practicing the form you | | | | in Wiltshire, has introduced her class to Tai Chi |
| must keep relaxed. In time you will find that it will | | | | exercises before lessons. She has observed that |
| become part of your physical and mental state," | | | | the children, after the exercises, come into class |
| says Grandmaster Chen Man Ching (1947). To | | | | calmer and prepared for their work. The children |
| grasp the concept of Tai Chi, no amount of | | | | also respond better in class. The American Journal |
| hurried attempts to grasp the art of Tai Chi will | | | | of Medicine and Sports lists a series of studies |
| enable that. By allowing Tai Chi to empower the | | | | showing that tai chi can improve concentration, |
| body and search for the inner chi requires | | | | focus and performance. Mrs. D'Souza has even |
| patience and lots of practice. Once the inner chi | | | | introduced the method to her fellow colleagues to |
| has been located then can you begin achieving a | | | | use on their class children. |
| harmony of body, mind and soul | | | | The growing vast number of people practicing Tai |
| Benefits | | | | Chi shows its popularity and the belief people have |
| Tai Chi has many benefits. In China, people believe | | | | in it. Tai Chi has spread all over the world that |
| that Tai Chi can prolong life, strengthen muscles | | | | there is even an event called Tai Chi Day that is |
| and tendons, and treat heart disease, high blood | | | | held on the last Saturday of April, annually. This |
| pressure, arthritis, depression, etc. Tai Chi also | | | | event begun in 1999 and is now recognised by |
| improves stamina. Jo Li, a Tai Chi enthusiast for | | | | the United Nations World Health Organization and |
| the last 2 years, now in his twenties, realised | | | | is acknowledged worldwide. Celebrations include |
| recently that he is able to run for a longer period | | | | mass Tai Chi workouts in most cities and free |
| of time without becoming easily tired. Studies | | | | classes are also offered in certain clubs in the |
| have shown that Tai Chi does have aerobic | | | | participating cities. |
| benefits and produces benefits in oxygen uptake | | | | Singapore |
| and endurance. | | | | Here in Singapore, the popularity of Tai Chi has |
| If you think Tai Chi is just for old people or | | | | caught up with people so much that a look around |
| people who don't want to do strenuous exercises, | | | | a heartland estate around 7 in the morning or 7 in |
| think again! It is now being recommended as | | | | the evening, will guarantee a show of small groups |
| another fitness option for pregnant women | | | | of people gathered and enthusiastically practicing |
| because it is gentle and slow-moving. Tai Chi is | | | | Tai Chi. Usually in June and December, when |
| also beneficial for pregnant women who have | | | | schools are out for the holidays, many children |
| never done any forms of exercise before as it | | | | can be seen joining the neighbourhood 'aunties' and |
| reduces the chances of these women injuring | | | | 'uncles' and actively participating in Tai Chi. |
| themselves. Other exercises, even yoga, involve | | | | |