| What is Tai Chi? | | | | cardiovascular health. These exercises can also be |
| Tai Chi started in China more than a thousand | | | | done more quickly as part of self-defense training |
| years ago as a method of self-defense. However, | | | | and to provide a more intense workout without |
| today Tai Chi is an ideal part of exercises, | | | | sacrificing the other benefits. However, for older |
| especially for older people and individuals who | | | | individuals or those in poor health, Tai Chi |
| need a less physically stressful routine. That's | | | | exercises can be done with a significantly reduced |
| because the routines emphasize slow, elegant | | | | risk of injury and strain. That's important for |
| motions that are created by a continuous, flowing | | | | people who need an easier, less physically |
| movement of the body. Although the body is | | | | stressful exercise routine. |
| moving slowly, it does provide specific health | | | | Doing Tai Chi |
| benefits. | | | | While you can learn Tai Chi from private |
| Besides promoting the flow of energy (known as | | | | instructors or through courses held at health clubs |
| "chi") through your body, it also helps exercise | | | | and other locations, you can also simply do the |
| many of the major muscle groups in the body. | | | | exercises in the privacy of your own home. To |
| As the body moves, exercise is simply restricted | | | | get the most benefits, you'll want to do Tai Chi at |
| to certain parts of the body. Instead, every area | | | | least twice a day for around 20 minutes each |
| of the body receives the benefits of the | | | | time. That's less than an hour of daily exercise |
| movement because of the unique approach to | | | | but you'll feel better, more relaxed, and healthier |
| exercise. | | | | even after only a few sessions. No matter what |
| Benefits of Tai Chi Besides the total body | | | | your age or current level of fitness, Tai Chi |
| workout that Tai Chi provides, it also can help you | | | | provides an easy way to incorporate safe |
| in many other ways. For example, the slow and | | | | exercises into your life. Getting started is as |
| graceful movements require your mind to | | | | simple as finding a way to learn the basics. You |
| mentally focus so you are also exercising your | | | | could ask your physician or contact some of the |
| mind as well as your body. Additionally, the | | | | fitness venues in your area to see if any Tai Chi |
| movements help reduce stress and tension in the | | | | courses are being offered. Some colleges are |
| body and mind so you'll feel more relaxed after a | | | | even offering the courses, and these are often |
| session. Tai Chi is also known to improve flexibility, | | | | available to the general public. You can also learn a |
| stamina, and balance. | | | | great deal about Tai Chi through Internet |
| Regular practice of Tai Chi has also been shown | | | | resources. |
| to reduce heart disease and to improve overall | | | | |