Ideas about healthy eating have changed over the years and so to have our ideas about exercise. How a person decides to exercise is dependent on the individual and options abound. Some prefer vigorous workouts others, choose something more gentle and fluid. Why choose one option over another? Generally it depends on two things - what’s available in the community and secondly what the individual themselves see as a comfortable way to fit exercise into their daily or weekly routine. Walkers, yoga enthusiasts, swimmers, dancers and circuit exercisers, today there are many options when seeking a good and healthy workout.
Part of what is collectively called ‘wushu’ Tai Chi is no longer used for self-defence, but rather as an either part of an exercise program or as a complement to health care. Often described as a ‘ballet’, ‘poetry in motion’ or ‘shadow boxing’ this graceful form of exercise has excellent health benefits especially for older people. Health benefits that include stress reduction, better balance and increased flexibility.
Starting among the Shoalin priests of China over two thousand years ago, Tai Chi involves stretching the spine, with each move starts from the feet up. During what is called a Set you perform a defined series of movements, slowly and with each move flowing into the next. In the Beginner class the goal is simply to learn the moves and to make the mind-body connection. Long time instructor Barb Howardson says the main challenge at the beginning is to do the moves slowly and smoothly; but as a group progresses the class becomes more meditative and the collective synergy more apparent.
And what are the health benefits of this ancient type of exercise? Various studies have shown that for older adults all forms of Tai Chi can definitely improve balance, flexibility and reduce the risk of falls. Because the movements are low impact, they put minimal stress on muscles and joints, while increasing muscle strength. For these same reasons, if someone has a condition such as arthritis, MS or is recovering from an injury, special Health Recovery Tai Chi classes can prove helpful. Getting out into the community and interacting with people of various ages does wonders for a person’s state of mind and so because classes are often mixed both in age and gender there are also untold social benefits.
Confucius said centuries ago that, ‘the firm, the enduring, the simple and the modest are near to virtue’. Tai Chi’s fundamental principles and poetic movements reflect this ancient Chinese wisdom through its gentle dance of mind, body and soul, and with that dance a sure way to a long and healthy life.
Carol Baird-Krul
Writer, Presenter and Retirement Planner
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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