Everyone could probably do with a little more exercise in their lives. Not just for the longer term health benefits but for the general quality-of-life improvements too. The problem is that it isn’t always easy to find fun ways to bring exercise into your life and it might not feel worth travelling miles to join a class or braving the elements to do so. That’s why we love Tai Chi. Not only is it a fun and rewarding way to incorporate more exercise into your life, but you can do it from the comfort of your home too! Keep reading to find out how…
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a martial art that dates back to the 12th century in China and it was originally taught as a form of self defence. However, these days Tai Chi has been adopted around the world as a fun and healthy form of exercise.
Despite its origins as a Chinese martial art, it’s philosophy of balance and flowing movement has allowed it to become incredibly popular as a peaceful form of exercise. While there are certainly styles of Tai Chi that are more suited to self defence and are performed at a faster pace, it’s more commonly practised as a series of slower, gentle movements.
When practised for health, the movements are slow, deliberate and focused on building your strength, balance and stability.
Benefits of Tai Chi
One of the beautiful things about Tai Chi is how richly it can support your health. The positions you move through during your practice help to engage and strengthen your legs while the flowing motions themselves work your core and improve your balance, coordination and mobility.
It’s not just your body that benefits from regular Tai Chi practice either, as the martial art exercise can have remarkable effects on your mind as well, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Tai Chi is not just about moving your body, but about practisting a state of mind (the art incorporates lots of elements of meditation as you move).
There are even thought to be more clinical health benefits too as it has been suggested that Tai Chi can improve posture, arthritis and prevent falling.
Who is Tai Chi suitable for?
The huge surge in popularity of this graceful art is thanks to just how accessible it is for many people. You don’t need to be an athlete or have experience in martial arts to give it a go. In fact, Tai Chi is suitable for almost everyone, with the practice gaining interest amongst people of different ages and fitness backgrounds. It’s become particularly popular with older adults who want to add some healthy exercise into their lives without the potential risks of joint damage that can be associated with high-impact exercise like running or weight-lifting.
Where’s the best place to find Tai Chi “near me”?
As if all the benefits to your health and wellbeing weren’t enough, there’s another thing to love about Tai Chi – one of the best ways to start practising it is from the comfort of your own home! Nowadays, you can enjoy wonderful classes delivered to you directly so you can learn from your living room by taking part in a session on Zoom.
Are you interested in joining an online Tai Chi class? We host a mindful and relaxing Tai Chi and Qigong class for all abilities every week at The Joy Club. Our classes are hosted by our highly experienced teacher, Jerry, who has been teaching Tai Chi and martial arts for over 35 years in the UK. He studied in China under the highly respected martial arts teacher, Master Ji Jian Cheng, Director of Physical Education at the University of Hangzhou.
You’ll find Tai Chi and many more live online exercise classes at The Joy Club. Premium membership costs just £5 per month, giving you access to over 40 talks, classes and activities each month plus exclusive member content, and all new members get a one-month, no obligation free trial.
Interested? Click here to find out more and sign up for free today!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle, then we simply can’t recommend Tai Chi enough! With its enormous array of health benefits and a welcoming, weekly class for all abilities online at The Joy Club, you can start to transform your health from the comfort of your own home today.