Tone with Taiji
by Kristy Martin
http://diets.aol.com/americatakesitoff/taichi
Many are intimidated by their impressions
of Tai Chi. Some see it as an aggressive martial art, or, on the flip side, as a mellow fitness routine best left to creaky-jointed
folks in a tranquil park. Clichés aside, Tai Chi is a superb way to unite the physical and spiritual halves of the body.
The benefits
of Tai Chi include greater flexibility; excellent core strength and balance; improved muscle tone, breathing and digestion; and all-around
better immunity, posture, sleep and stress management. Here are four ways to best experience the Chinese workout:
Pick your style. The
practice of Tai Chi, rooted in the dynasties of ancient China, has many forms. Chen Tai Chi retains the martial-arts backbone of its
genesis. Many students' ailments disappear with regular practice. Taoist Tai Chi, meanwhile, focuses on the spiritual method of "taming
the heart" as part of its routine.
Let your inhibitions go. Tai Chi is a journey of the self, and if you treat it as such you'll reap
the benefits more wholly. Each set of movements is performed to maximize your body's "qi," or energy. It's an internal exercise, and
unites all of the body, rather than, say weightlifting, which focuses on specific muscle groups.
Prepare to sweat. Think Tai Chi is
easy? Think again. In about 10 minutes, you'll sweat profusely along with your classmates as you perform balance-challenging positions
that generate heat from within, and increase your heart rate.
Practice makes perfect. Don't expect overnight results, but do expect
your body to change if you devote yourself to performing Tai Chi on a regular basis. ... if you practice the form, the form will change
you. It's amazing. You can do this for the rest of your life... After a year, your physique is drastically improved, as is your mental
well-being.