Tai Chi is practiced in China. It is a martial art that is famous for its health benefits. It is an art that teaches one to deal with stress and tension. Martial art is of two types – hard martial arts that comprises of Kung Fu and Karate and soft martial art that includes Tai Chi and Ba Gua. Tai Chi is a kind of meditation in motion where soft and slow movements are followed. Tai Chi has certain good psychological effects also and enables one to learn his inner real self. The aim of Tai Chi is to introduce harmony and peace in our lives.
Some FAQ’s about Tai chi
Tai Chi is an art that connects the soul to a right path that gives solace and peace of mind. Here are some important FAQ’s that will help you to know all about Tai Chi:
i. What are the health benefits of Tai chi?
Ans: As Tai Chi involves slow movements, it is very gentle to perform. It is known to improve:
a. Muscle strength: It has been found that tai chi increases muscular strength in men and women aged over 66. After taking classes for about 12 weeks, both the upper and lower body gets strengthened.
b. Flexibility: A study was carried out in Stanford University in 2006 according to which women showed better strength and flexibility in the upper and lower body.
c. Aerobic conditions: Aerobic training is also provided as per the speed of movements.
d. Arthritis: Tai Chi gives a lot more improvement to the knees with osteoarthritis in a span of just 12 weeks as compared to stretching exercises. Infact, it also shows a slow disease development sign which is great.
e. Breast cancer: Tai Chi has proved to be one of the best medications to improve the life of the women suffering from breast cancer. It also reduces the side effects that hit the women while the breast cancer treatment is on.
ii. What should be the optimal dose of tai chi to accrue health benefits?
Ans: Not sufficient data has been collected to know about the health benefits of Tai Chi. It should be practiced for about twice or thrice for an hour in a week. This gives the beginner a good start. To become an expert and master Tai Chi, it should be done continuously for about a year with full dedication and concentration.
iii. What kind of fitness apparel you need to put on?
You are required to wear comfortable clothes that aren’t too tight so that the movements are performed easily. Getting overdressed is of no use so avoid it. You may also wear leotards, sweatpants and T-shirt.
iv. What are the precautions that you should take?
Ans: You should take the following precautions:
a. If you are a beginner, then make it sure that you don’t use manuals and watch videos. A manual can give you the idea about its principle and what you are required to do, but it does not let you to know the right positions. And doing the same as what is shown in videos is not easy as well. Moreover, the two do not give you the feedback of what you have achieved.
b. Become a learner and appoint a Tai Chi teacher. Remember that he/she should be well trained and experienced. Those who have pain in the bones or are prone to heart problems should be very careful in choosing the right guide. If you have pain in the joints, then consult your doctor first.
c. A small warm up followed by a quick rest is advised before you practice Tai Chi so that the muscles come into action.
d. It is not important that you practice and follow every single movement of your program. A certain movements can be modified if there is a need.
e. There is no point if you exert yourself and push yourself to do Tai Chi. Leave those movements that you find hard to perform. Tai Chi is a kind of meditation where no stress should be introduced. It is not unlike those strenuous workouts but offers great benefits like perfect abs, weight loss or gain and much more.
v. How to get started with Tai Chi?
Ans: Consider the following points to get started with Tai Chi:
a. Ask your doctor: If you have any serious medical condition or musculoskeletal problem, then it is recommended that you consult the doctor.
b. Hire a professional teacher: Tai Chi trainers do not get any training license or proper training. Hence, you need to explore options asking your friends, neighbors and doctors.
c. Track your progress: Just after a period of 12 weeks, you will come to know the positive effects that Tai chi has introduced in your tiresome lifestyle. Infact, you will be able to judge if you love practicing Tai chi.
