Vallarta Online / PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO – Tai Chi is a millenary practice that not only strengthens the body, but also nourishes the mind. It is so soft and its movements so delicate that one would not think that one is training or making the slightest effort to break a sweat. Specialists place it as one of the best exercises for health.
Content
Better balance and coordination
This ancient martial art improves balance, reduces anxiety and prevents cardiovascular diseases by increasing the heart rate moderately. Breathing techniques are key in Tai Chi. Much of its appeal probably lies in the sum of choreographed body movements coupled with an alert but calm state of mind. Tai Chi is often described as “meditation in motion”, but it might as well be called “medication in motion”.
Benefits for all ages
The benefits of Tai Chi extend to people of all ages and abilities, as the movements are gentle and low impact. Tai Chi is slow, gentle and doesn’t leave you breathless; it addresses the key components of fitness: muscular strength, flexibility, balance and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.
3. Increased muscle strength
It can improve both lower and upper body strength. When practiced regularly, Tai Chi can be comparable to resistance training and brisk walking.
4. Improved flexibility and elasticity
Tai Chi sequences involve whole body joint movements, gently stretching muscles and tendons through a full range of motion. This helps increase muscle elasticity and joint flexibility, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
5. Reducing the risk of falls
Several studies have found evidence that Tai Chi improves balance and stability in older adults and reduces the risk and fear of falling. Its conscious practice requires high levels of concentration. The slow, continuous movements increase heart rate moderately, which strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation. This exercise is also good for cognitive health because it slows the deterioration of executive function.
In direct comparison to other exercises, Tai Chi may offer a superior strategy for reducing falls due to its benefits on cognitive functioning.
Tai Chi Exercises for Energy and Balance
Charge to the moon
Inhale, turn your body to the left from the waist. Your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows slightly bent. Now extend both arms to the left with your head centered in your hands. Exhale, lower your hands. Turn to the right and repeat.
Turn your waist and push palms
Inhale, bring your palms toward your waist facing upward. Exhale and turn your body to the left at waist level. Keep the left elbow and wrist slightly bent and bring the elbow back. At the same time, extend your right arm forward and push with your right palm forward (as if you were trying to stop traffic). Inhale, return to the middle and distribute your weight evenly before turning to the right, bringing the right arm back and extending the left arm with the palm forward.
Learn more about the health benefits of physical activities in our section of Health and Wellness.
Credits courtesy of © Bay Vallarta in collaboration with © Vallarta Online
