Some Questions and Answers on Tai Chi.
Q. For What
age group is Tai Chi suitable
A. Tai Chi classes are usually open to people of all ages from teenagers to people in their eighties and 90's. Generally classes are unrestricted and open to people of all ages although you sometimes find classes advertised for over 50's.
Q. Is Tai chi an Exercise or a Martial Art.
A. Originally Tai Chi was (and still is) a Martial Art although in the Western world it tends to be taught more for health benefits. Consisting of soft, slow and relaxed movements it can have a beneficial effect on our health and can reducing stress and improve our balance, flexibility and coordination.
Q. Do you need to be fit to do Tai Chi.
A. As long as you are able to move you should be able to do some Tai Chi but you are advised to consult your doctor if you have any doubts. It is also advisable to inform your instructor of any problems or disabilities you may have as some excercises may be unsuitable for you. In some cases such as wheelchair users some individual attention is required.
Q. Is there any special clothing or uniform required.
A. There is
no uniform or special
clothes required but you should avoid tight clothes which can
restrict your movements. Loose clothing in which you can move freely
is all you need with items such as tracksuit bottoms, loose fitting
jumpers or T-shirts being perfectly suitable. You should also wear
lightweight shoes or trainers.
Q. What happens in a Tai Chi class.
A. Normally when you begin you would start off by doing some warm up exercises to loosen your joints. You could then practise some Qigong exercises followed by practising the Tai Chi form. In most cases all these are carried out in a slow relaxed manner.
Q. Are the exercises strenuous.
A. Tai chi exercises are performed in a slow relaxed manner and as such they should not be strenuous. You should remember that doing the exercises and the form is not a competition ... you are doing this for your own benefit and should not compete and try to stretch further or as far as others in the class. You will improve as you progress but you should not try to stretch to more than 85% of what you are capable of doing. This way you won't damage your muscles or joints and you will gradually be stretching further over a period of time as you train/practice.
Q. Is Tai Chi suitable for both men and women.
A. Yes Tai
Chi is suitable for both
sexes with most classes being mixed although you may
occasionally find a women only class.
Author: Ken
Bradshaw
http://morereiki.co.uk
Reiki
practitioner, Tai Chi instructor,
member of the
General Natural Practitiners Guild (GNPG)