Tai Chi for Balance
Let’s move more slowly. Breathe more deeply. And bring some much-needed balance to our lives.
Let’s join the tai chi movement – an activity you can engage in for the rest of your life. In tai chi, you move without pausing through a series of animal actions or martial arts moves. As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention on your bodily sensations.
Yes, it may take some time to get used to the slower pace of this low-impact, gentle form of exercise. But it’s worth the effort – this “meditation in motion” is backed by centuries of health benefits.
Tai chi can help you improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. It’s even been proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and help people who have arthritis.
But perhaps one of the greatest health benefits of practicing tai chi? To help reduce the risk of falling. Did you know from around the age of 25, we begin to lose physical strength and bone density, our sense of balance deteriorates, and we take longer to recover from a fall? Yikes!
Tai chi is safe and doesn’t require any expensive equipment, so it’s easy to get started. All you need are some comfy clothes and a willingness to slow down and be present.
More balance is sure to follow.
Give Tai Chi a Try
Curious about tai chi? We recommend consulting with your doctor before beginning a practice. What’s more, search for a class led by an experienced, qualified instructor. Until then, here’s an exercise you can try right now at home.
- Start by standing or sitting with your hands resting on your thighs. Press your tongue gently into the roof of your mouth. Breathe through your nose, long and slow.
- Coordinate your breath with movement. As you inhale slowly through your nose, raise your relaxed hands to face level.
- As you exhale slowly, lower your hands back to your legs. Relax deeply.
- Repeat 10 times.
Sources: Harvard Health Publishing, Forbes Health, Tai Chi for Health Institute
Y0126_23-448_C