 Tai Chi Classroom What is Tai-Chi-Quan. Tai Chi is gaining popularity in the United States as an aid to good health, especially for older adults. This slow, graceful Chinese exercise program can increase strength and muscle tone, enhanced range of motion and flexibility, and improved balance and coordination. In clinical trials, it has also shown an unquestionable ability to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. We presented you a set of Tai Chi Qi-Gong of 22 forms. They are selected from the more complicated sets of Tai Chi Boxing and the more strenuous Form Will Boxing, and arranged to make it easier for the beginner to synchronize the rhythm of his movements with the rhythm of breathing during the exercise. This exercise focuses on coordinating breathing and movements as an efficient way to promote health. While practicing, it is important to consciously regulate our breathing to initiate each movement which, in turn, helps to prolong breathing, and when the air is exhausted, the movement is also completed. All the movements should be accomplished naturally, slowly, and smoothly, involving even the fingers and toe tips. Each form can be repeated as many times as one's time and physical condition allow. News!! Research out of Johns Hopkins University suggests that Tai Chi can reduce blood pressure in older adults as effectively as regular aerobic exercise. And it does so without speeding up heart rates. These encouraging findings about Tai Chi suggest that even low-intensity exercise can produce real health benefits for older individuals with high blood pressure. That's encouraging news for many, particularly women, who have had little or no experience with exercise. Tai Chi can be performed anywhere and requires no special equipment. It may be a desirable workout for older adults who do not identify themselves as 'exercisers'. |
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