Find Out What a Dose of Tai Chi Could Do for You
By Sandy Schroeder
Mind/body exercises such as tai chi are showing up with more and more benefits in today's world. If you are intrigued, Harvard Health suggests you take a closer look at the research results and give tai chi a try. Here are some of the benefits of this gentle standing swaying exercise that has captured the attention of so many people.
- Lower your blood pressure
- Lift your spirit
- Help manage depression
- Improve balance
- Release tension and stress
Before the pandemic I spent a wonderful summer doing a weekly tai chi class in the park. Standing in the midst of the trees and moving through one gentle motion after another never failed to refresh my mood, clear my head and relax my body. Now I follow online teachers and get many of the same health benefits. It's not as blissful as the park, but it works.
Take a few minutes to watch an online class and see where it might fit into your day. Start the morning before breakfast or wrap up the day with an evening session.
Harvard researchers looked closely at the benefits and explained how all of tai chi's active ingredients work together. They said tai chi approaches the body as one complete system. When you move through a tai chi pose, you will be exercising your biceps, glutes, upper and lower body and left and right sides. You will also be activating the core along with the arms, legs, hands and feet.
Check Out the Posture Benefits
As your alignment and posture improve, look at what you get when you make tai chi part of your life.
You will look and move better - Your body will be moving safely and smoothly in graceful motions that carry over after class. As you move with less effort, your joints will be under less of a load and your balance will improve. You may find this playing out on your bike, on the courts or on the green.
You will breathe easier - As your posture improves, you will lose that hunched over look that comes with rounded shoulders and shallow breaths. Instead your back will straighten up as you roll your shoulders down and breathe deeply.
Your attitude may do an about face - Researchers say people who sit straighter and walk taller have a more positive view of life too.
Try tai chi for a few weeks and see what it does for you. Don't be surprised if it becomes addictive.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chula Vista, Calif.