T'ai Chi Chih For Fitness

Have you ever been to the gym and seen peopleTCC means "Knowledge of the Supreme
reading a magazine while riding the recumbentUltimate." I have never found anything else that
bike or watching TV while on the Stairmaster? Ifully relaxes me and totally energizes me at the
have often asked myself, "What are these peoplesame time. Unlike the quick burst of energy from
actually doing in here?" Are they paying attentiona cup of coffee or a sports bar, T'ai Chi Chih uses
to what is happening to their body? Do they evenyour internal energy (Chi) to supply your body
care? Are they aware of their heart rate, whatwith an internal power that is always readily
muscles are being worked, if they are doingavailable.
enough exercise, or if they are doing too much?TCC is also excellent for stress reduction. As a
My conclusion is that these people are numbingFitness Therapist, I use TCC in my Stress
themselves from the exercise. They are beingManagement Program, and I have seen it help
mindless -- disconnecting from themselves just topeople with arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome,
get through the workout. Their bodies stay thefibromyalgia, and hypertension. Because it is so
same year after year, because, mentally, they'regentle on the body, I have also used it for
not even at the gym. They're still home sitting onpost-rehab maintenance and lower back pain
the couch.prevention and safety.
T'ai Chi Chih (TCC) is the exact opposite of theseHow does T'ai Chi Chih fit into your fitness
methods. TCC is true "mindfulness" in motion, andprogram?
it is the easiest way I have found to reallyImagine doing a set of curls and really feeling the
connect the mind and body. Not only are you fullyweight through the entire range of motion.
aware and attuned to what is happening whileImagine being on the treadmill and feeling exactly
practicing TCC you're also centered, balanced,what is happening to your body. How much sweat
focused, and better able to concentrate withoutis dripping down your back? Are you working up
any effort at all. After practicing TCC for a shortto your potential? TCC puts you in tune with your
period of time the benefits begin to translate intobody and sharpens your natural instincts, allowing
other areas of your life.you to sense when you are over training, haven't
What is T'ai Chi Chih?eaten enough, need to work harder, or need take
TCC was created by Justin Stone to enable youa few days off from the gym. TCC helps you
to effortlessly experience the vital life force, orcommunicate with your body.
Chi, in your body. It consists of 20 flowingIf you've hit a plateau, incurred an injury, or
movements, performed softly, continuously, andsimply want to live a more energized, stress-free
without external muscular tension. It can belifestyle, give T'ai Chi Chih a try. You'll be glad you
practiced anywhere, by anyone, and requiresdid.
very little space and no special clothing.