Debunking A Myth : Tai Chi Is An Exercise for Senior Citizens Only

Many people associate Tai Chi with a group of grey-haired elderly folk exercising together in a neighbourhood park. Unfortunately, this common yet limiting idea is far from the truth of what Tai Chi represents.

Let’s put things into perspective. Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan originated as a form of martial art. There is a lot of emphasis on core and lower body strength, balance, and mind-body coordination.

The fluid movements of a seasoned Tai Chi practitioner hail from a solid foundation and years of regular practice. Without that, it is impossible to move with such grace.

While Tai Chi has been proven beneficial for senior citizens in countless research studies, it can also benefit people of all ages. Regular Tai Chi practice endows a person with youthful exuberance as a result of an agile mind and a flexible body.

It is easier to reap all the rewards that Tai Chi can bring into one’s life when one is able-bodied and mentally alert. A Tai Chi routine is a series of movements practiced in a certain order.
For example, the traditional Yang-style Tai Chi 85 Form consists of 85 movements which takes around 18-20 minutes to complete.

It takes effort to remember all the 85 movements and perform them according to their specific sequence in the routine. A significant level of core and lower body strength is required to go through the entire routine without feeling physically exhausted.

Once that is achieved, the Tai Chi practitioner can go deeper into the internal energy aspect (qi) of Tai Chi – the precious treasure that many seek yet not all will find.

It is difficult to feel ‘qi’ while practicing in a group where everyone is merely following the instructor leading in front. A certain degree of introspective practice is required to get into that state of awareness. When the practitioner is comfortable with the Tai Chi routine and the body movements become somewhat ‘auto-pilot’ during practice, then there is room for the awareness of ‘qi’ to arise.

Awareness of ‘qi’ comes in handy when the Tai Chi practitioner wants to upgrade his/her Tai Chi technique to fully harness the benefits of this amazing practice.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said that qi flow and blood circulation are inseparable. A healthy qi flow and blood circulation keep the person vibrant and energetic irrespective of one’s age.

Regular Tai Chi practice has been shown to regulate moods and improve mental health. Learning Tai Chi creates new neural pathways in the brain linking regions of the brain that regulate mood, movement, and cognitive function leading to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rejuvenate itself.

Tai Chi practice can enhance your health in more ways than one, regardless of your current exercise regime and state of health.