I was offered a FREE session on Tai Chi during the beginning of March. There was only two of us in the class along with the tutor. Marshal Arts don't hold great appeal to me. I tried Thai Boxing at University and found it too violent. I know there are disciplines that are better structured than this, with good opportunities to improve fitness and muscle tone and to grow in body confidence. Tai Chi is derived from these types of aggressive sports, or at least the Chinese practice it at that level. It has grown as a training tool for fitness and health beyond the martial remit outside of China, and is popular among elderly gym goers because it can be done slowly and without the competitive element.
I was surprised how relaxed I felt after completing an hour of gentle movements that didn't tax me physically, except for the horse pose, which was a wide squat I'm not used to. The sequential exercise drills were repetitive to the point where I was able to remember them after only an hour's short practice, always a big problem for me when I attempt new routines. I didn't get bored, perhaps because the instructor kept me focused. I was reassured that it's possible to follow Tai Chi in the park, on the beach, in the bedroom, workplace, though clips, DVDs etc.. What helped me was the rigor placed on posture because I am a slumper and it can make you feel anxious -- stand with your head aligned to your shoulders that should hang down like a coat hanger, I was told. This helped open up my chest and vocal chords while singing, which I had told the instructor I was a fan of. I was told the new pose would be easy to carry and would not wear out my back. A great diagnostic and one I am holding to.
All in all, I was impressed and would go again.
I was surprised how relaxed I felt after completing an hour of gentle movements that didn't tax me physically, except for the horse pose, which was a wide squat I'm not used to. The sequential exercise drills were repetitive to the point where I was able to remember them after only an hour's short practice, always a big problem for me when I attempt new routines. I didn't get bored, perhaps because the instructor kept me focused. I was reassured that it's possible to follow Tai Chi in the park, on the beach, in the bedroom, workplace, though clips, DVDs etc.. What helped me was the rigor placed on posture because I am a slumper and it can make you feel anxious -- stand with your head aligned to your shoulders that should hang down like a coat hanger, I was told. This helped open up my chest and vocal chords while singing, which I had told the instructor I was a fan of. I was told the new pose would be easy to carry and would not wear out my back. A great diagnostic and one I am holding to.
All in all, I was impressed and would go again.
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