The Importance of Tai Chi to Seniors

Tai Chi is Non-Impact

This is a blessing for seniors. Non-Impact exercises are no significant force on your joints. There are no jarring impulses to ligaments, tendons, or joints.  If you have joint problems like arthritis you can make a slight adjustment to use Tai Chi. If you are recovering from surgery. There is no soreness afterward. All movements are smooth and continuous. There is also no strain put on any muscle. This can fit all seniors no matter what their limitation is. If you can’t stand then you do it sitting down on a chair. Non-impact exercises can help you to improve balance, posture, and how well you move in everyday activities. These exercises can also help to increase muscle strength and decrease the risk of falls and broken bones. Some of these exercises include:

Tai Chi Does Not Require Equipment

In Tai Chi, there is no expensive equipment to buy and maintain the basic exercises.  Not even a Yoga mat.  The movements are done with your body, hands, feet, torso. There is no risk of getting hurt with the equipment. For our purpose of improving balance, there is no need for Tai Chi swords or balls or any other equipment, Obviously. if you have them and it can accelerate your growth then use it, but they are no essential.

Tai Chi Does Not Require Lots Of Space

Tai Chi can be performed in a space of a few steps in all directions, but only a few steps. You can do it anywhere you wish. One of the key aspects of Tai Chi is developing good roots. In the beginning of your training, it’s not a bad idea to find a training space with a flat, even surface. Indoor space is ideal for this particular quality but outdoor locations such as a porch/terrace, basketball/tennis court or parking lot can work as well

Tai Chi Balance Exercises

that strengthen your legs, clarify weight shifting, and walking in a balanced way and test your balance can decrease your risk of falls. Like most exercises, they must be practiced over and over again to truly be effective.

Tai Chi Posture Exercises

that improve your posture and reduce rounded or “sloping” shoulders can help you decrease the chance of breaking a bone, especially in the spine or hip. Falls are responsible for hip fractures.  Good Tai Chi postures generate enormous energy which vibrates through the body and the extremities and produces maximum mobility and flexibility. Good Tai Chi postures produce the power and allow it to travel smoothly through the legs and ascend to the upper body.

Tai Chi Is Easy For Seniors To Learn And Practice

Tai Chi can get complicated if you want to grow and grow with it. These smaller pieces we need for balance are easy and simple to do.

Tai Chi is Mediative

Tai Chi is also called meditation in motion, according to the Tai Chi and Chi Kung Institute, and is an easy meditation technique that can be practiced just about anywhere. Tai Chi meditation was developed as a martial art, according to the Institute, but is now a meditation technique aimed at reducing stress and improving health. You can learn Tai Chi meditation by using a Tai Chi instructional DVD at home, taking classes at your local gym, fitness center, or YMCA, or with a personal instructor or group in an open space like a park. Read on for four Tai Chi meditation techniques.

Tai Chi’s Long Term Benefits

When learned and performed, Tai Chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefits of tai chi may include:

• • Decreased stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Improved mood
  • Improved aerobic capacity
  • Increased energy and stamina
  • Improved flexibility, balance, and agility
  • Improved muscle strength and definition

More research is needed to determine all the health benefits of Tai Chi. Some evidence indicates that tai chi may also help:

• • Enhance the quality of sleep
  • Enhance the immune system
  • Help lower blood pressure
  • Improve joint pain
  • Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure
  • Improve overall well-being
  • Reduce the risk of falls in older adults