If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and alleviate depression, consider Tai Chi. The art was originally developed for self-defense, but along the years Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Tai Chi is a non-competitive martial art known for both its defense techniques and its health benefits. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Bonnie brings to you the proper teaching of Tai Chi through free classes in Tampa, Florida.
Tai Chi differs from other types of exercise in several aspects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are not tensed rather relaxed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched either. Tai Chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from fit people to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery. Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because Tai Chi is a low impact exercise, it may be especially suitable for older adults who otherwise may not exercise.
Bonnie’s Tai Chi class follows these steps:
Warm-up: Muscles and joints are loosened through easy motions such as shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side or rocking back and forth and increases focus on your breath and body.
Instruction and practice of Tai Chi forms: Different styles require smaller or larger movements; short forms include a dozen or fewer movements and long forms may include up to hundreds of movements. Smaller and slower movements are always recommended at the beginning.
Qigong: Also translated as “breath work” or “energy work” This comprises of a few minutes of gentle breathing which is sometimes also accompanied with movement. The idea is to help relax your mind and mobilize your body’s energy.
The benefits of Tai Chi are said to include the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression, and the enhancement of mood, both in both healthy people and in those with chronic conditions.
Some of the benefits claimed for Tai Chi include better mood with lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety, greater aerobic capacity and muscle strength, more energy and stamina, enhanced flexibility, balance and agility, lower blood pressure and improved heart health, reduced inflammation and fewer falls. Tai Chi also helps in better sleep quality and an enhanced immune system. Another study suggests that it can help people with Parkinson disease, traumatic brain injury, insomnia, substance abuse, and cognitive impairment. There is evidence that Tai Chi can help improve cognitive function and reduce the effects of dementia. It has been shown to reduce inflammatory response in patients with breast cancer, which may, say researchers, have implications for breast cancer survivorship.
The health benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong are innumerable, Bonnie brings you a chance to rehabilitate and calibrate your life, body, mind and soul by joining her in her free classes for Tai Chi in Tampa, Florida.