Tai Chi - gymnastics for the mind and body, a refined system of physical exercises, born in 1000 AD. e. or earlier. It is a unique Chinese system of soft martial art. Includes meditation, proper breathing, and exercises performed continuously, as a set of smooth, rounded movements in which absolutely all parts of the body and mind participate.
Closely related to medicine, martial arts and meditation, Tai Chi gymnastics combines mental concentration with continuous smooth slow movements that contribute to better coordination of the body and mind, as well as increased energy inflow "zi" - energy that maintains harmony of mind and body health.
Gymnastics Tai Chi is involved in the centers of Oriental culture, community centers and fitness clubs: its popularity is explained by its simplicity and general availability.
Tai chi can be taught to all people, even those suffering from diseases that they are not allowed to engage in other sports and gymnastics. Full people, sick with arthritis, people of advanced age - this is not the whole list of those who can be recommended to practice the ancient health gymnastics Tai Chi.
The use of Tai Chi lessons.
Tai Chi supporters call so many useful features of this ancient Chinese gymnastics that their listing can take more than one page. Regular Tai Chi classes are useful in diseases of the respiratory system, nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems, improve balance, coordination and flexibility of movements, help strengthen joints, tendons and muscles, improve metabolism. The results of some studies show that Tai Chi classes help to lower blood pressure and strengthen cardiac function.
In addition, gymnastics for the mind and body has another very useful quality - to remove stress (due to the ancient techniques of breathing exercises and relaxation). This feature is already enough to start practicing Tai Chi.
Body and spirit.
Performing Tai Chi exercises, you involve both body and spirit. At the same time, it is very difficult to determine what is gaining from practicing this gymnastics to a greater extent - the first or second. Also Tai Chi classes help to forget about the routine of everyday life, where the ways of self-expression are often limited.
Tai Chi - gymnastics for the elderly.
With age, we do not get healthier. Gradually, the muscles weaken, the mobility of the joints decreases, the flexibility is not the same as before. All this leads to the inability to maintain equilibrium, and, consequently, the risk of falling increases. And it is the fall in the elderly that causes most of the injuries.
Some of the Tai Chi exercises are designed to move body weight from one leg to the other. This strengthens the muscles of the legs, improves the ability to maintain balance, which is very important for the elderly.
In 2001, the Oregon Research Institute conducted a study, which made it clear that those elderly people who do Tai Chi gymnastics twice a week for one hour are more likely to perform physical activities such as putting on clothes and taking food, ascent and descent, walking, slopes, lifting weights, than peers who are less active.
Tai Chi and body weight.
If doing traditional exercises or walking hurts, try to practice Tai Chi gymnastics. Since the exercises do not require much effort, this gymnastics for the body and mind is perfect for people who are overweight, who, due to their excessive fullness, often can not exercise. Experts say that with regular classes you can burn calories and lose weight.
How to choose a group for Tai Chi classes.
If you want to do Tai Chi, the following tips will help in choosing a group for classes.
- Try, if possible, to attend classes in at least two different groups. Try to attend at least a couple of sessions, ask the instructors to allow you this.
- Determine how much the instructor's style of training suits you, whether you feel comfortable in the group.
- Ask the instructor about the experience of his work. Ask him questions such as: who was your teacher? How long did your training last? How long have you been practicing Tai Chi?
- Talk to the members of the training group. Learn from them whether they are engaged for a long time, whether they are satisfied with the results.
- You should like both the group and the classes. If classes are a burden to you, if you look at the clock, then you should not expect outstanding results in this case.
- Before you start classes, in any sport, you should always consult a doctor.