Thinking about learning Tai Chi? Want some extra motivation to get started? Then this article's for you.
Tai Chi for Beginners
3 Great Reasons to Learn Tai Chi
Contents:
1) What is Tai Chi?
2) After 25,000 Hours, Why I Still Practice Tai Chi
3) Great Reason to Learn Tai Chi #1: It's Exercise!
4) Great Reason to Learn Tai Chi #2: It Heals Your Body
5) Great Reason to Learn Tai Chi #3: It's Super Fun!
6) How to Learn Your First Tai Chi Move Now
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi (also called Tai Chi Chuan) originated centuries ago in China as a martial art. Today Tai Chi is widely practiced for its health benefits.
Tai Chi practice includes performing sequences of slow, flowing movements (called a "Tai Chi Form") designed to exercise the entire body, while promoting relaxation, balance, and internal strength.
Tai Chi is often described as "moving meditation," as it promotes relaxed focus and present-moment awareness. From the perspective of Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi improves the flow of qi (energy) throughout the body, promoting vibrant health and mental well-being.
People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from Tai Chi. Leading medical authorities including the Centers for Disease Control, the Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend Tai Chi as a way to improve balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
After 25,000 Hours, Why I Still Practice Tai Chi
As Head Instructor of the leading Chicago-based Tai Chi school, I'm a "Tai Chi Professional."
I teach Tai Chi, Qigong, and Taoist Meditation full time, leading classes, private lessons, workshops, and producing video courses. I also practice Tai Chi, Qigong, and Taoist Meditation on my own, nearly every day.
Over the past 14 years, I've accumulated more than 25,000 hours of Tai Chi training, teaching, and practice. That's a lot of Tai Chi!
And each day, I look forward to more Tai Chi practice.
Why?
Lot's of reasons. Including palpable positives changes to my body, my energy, and my mind.
But the Top Three reasons are the same reasons I got hooked on Tai Chi 14 years ago. Here they are—
Great Reason to Learn Tai Chi #1: It's Exercise!
When you do Tai Chi, you're moving your body. Shifting weight, turning your hips, slow, deliberate stepping. Smooth, fluid, circular arm movements. Connecting the lower half of the body with the upper half. Performing increasingly connected whole body movement.
That exercise!
Overwhelming Evidence: Exercise Reduces Your Risk of Disease
The evidence is overwhelming. Regular, moderate aerobic exercise significantly decreases our risk of chronic diseases. Like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.
All leading medical authorities recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly. Why? To lower the risk of disease. Truly, exercise is medicine.
But nearly half of adults don't come close to 150 minutes a week.
I'm a certified Exercise Physiologist, steeped in exercise science. So this is top of mind for me. And an important component of my teaching. Helping adults move their bodies.
Exercise with Tai Chi, Without Straining or Pounding Your Body
Tai Chi provides a wonderful way to enjoy regular exercise. Without a noisy gym. Without straining and risking injury. Without pounding your joints and back.
You could join two 45 minute Tai Chi classes each week. Then practice 20 minutes three days per week. And voila! You've got your 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise right there.
A great reason to learn Tai Chi!
Great Reason to Learn Tai Chi #2: It Heals Your Body
Extensive scientific research supports the powerful health benefits of Tai Chi. Studies have shown Tai Chi as an effective intervention for many chronic conditions.
Without drugs, surgery, or costly trips to the clinic or hospital.
Proven Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Studies have shown the following health benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi is Safe and No Special Equipment Required
Plus Tai Chi doesn't pound the joints, and you can do it anywhere. No special equipment required!
Moreover, virtually anyone can do Tai Chi. Whatever your age, fitness level, or experience.
Tai Chi heals your body.
Another great reason to learn Tai Chi!
Great Reason to Learn Tai Chi #3: It's Super Fun!
With Tai Chi, you learn to move your body in a smooth, connected, powerful way. It feels great, and is super-fun to do.
Especially if, like me, you never learned how to move like that and spent decades feeling uncoordinated, clunky, and not very connected.
With a little instruction and practice, soon you'll be enjoying moving your body with flow and connection like never before. It's so fun to feel that happen!
Plus, you learn to relax, feel your body, quiet you mind, and smooth out your insides.
Life is definitely more fun when you're more relaxed and smooth, and the mind's not jumping all over.
Tai Chi helps you get there.
Another great reason to learn Tai Chi!
Learn Your First Tai Chi Move Now
Are you ready to learn a Tai Chi move now?
I've put together a video lesson for you, guiding your through your first Tai Chi move. In less than 10 minutes!
To check out the video, click here.
Enjoy the lesson!
Drop a comment below the video and let me know how it goes.
Chris Cinnamon, JD, MS
Certified Exercise Physiologist
Head Instructor
Author, Tai Chi for Knee Health
P.S.
Concerned about balance?
Had a recent fall?
Did you know falling is the #1 cause of injury in older adults?
Tai Chi is proven to improve balance and reduce falls.
Check out our popular Online Tai Chi for Balance Course.
The step-by-step, easy-to-follow course will help keep your On Your Feet and Out of the Emergency Room.
For more info and to join the course, click here.