Do you want a powerful boost that will help you
. Move better
. Feel more supple
. Balanced and serene
so that you can live a happier, healthier life?
We all age, but we don't have to let that stop us doing the things we enjoy, scientists agree that if we keep moving we can hold back ageing or improve our health.
How great would it be to play with the kids or grandkids without the aches and pains or have a clear and focused mind.
Tai Chi is well noted for it's health benefits having numerous scientists studying it's affects on both the mind and body.
Find out how our Tai Chi can make you fitter, stronger and happier.
This is heathy self defence!
What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi is essentially a Chinese martial art which because it is characterised by it's slow, rolling movements. We focus on connecting the mind, body and breath with the correct body structure with every part of the body moving at the correct time so that we only have tension where we want it allowing the rest of the body to relax.
It is often seen as a moving meditation and the better you get at the movements the more meditative it becomes.
But it is also a traditional martial art and so it's important to understand the reason for the moves and how your body, mind, balance, structure and intent alter and adapt when taught to move correctly. We do this through push hands and application practice so that you not only have a thorough understanding of the art but also gain important insights into your body and mind.
This really is healthy self-defence for the body and mind.
What are the benefits of Tai Chi?
1. Tai Chi can improve balance and help prevent falls particularly in the elderly. The slow shifting of weight from one leg to another can improve leg, ankle and foot strength and with an emphasis on structural alignment and awareness involved in the moving with control has proven to improve balance.
2. Tai Chi can increase bone density, particularly in the hips and lower spine. Tai Chi is a low impact weight baring exercise which is known to increase bone density.
3. Tai Chi can help manage, resolve and prevent musculoskeletal pain and pain related symptoms. Tai chi has been known to improve pain through the correct use of alignment, releasing tension, calming awareness, gentle stretching and joint movements.
4. Tai Chi can improve posture. With correct structure such as holding the spine erect above the hips, while moving, will improve posture.
5. Tai Chi can improve breathing efficiency and improve aerobic capacity. The deep natural breathing performed in Tai Chi and Qigong (breath work) will help to improve breathing efficiency.
6. Tai Chi can reduce stress and improve psychological wellbeing. The calming nature of the slow movements and directed focus in Tai Chi can become very meditative which has been shown to reduce stress.
7. Tai Chi can improve concentration. Tai Chi Encourages midline crossing motions; (motor development on both sides of the body,) connecting both sides of the brain. This can be difficult to do but can have a beneficial impact on concentration levels.
8. Tai Chi can reduce anxiety. There were “identified 11 studies (including five randomized controlled trials) that evaluated Tai Chi for stress. A meta-analysis of a subset of these studies showed significant improvements in stress management and psychological distress.” Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi studies.
9. Tai Chi can improve sleep. The calming nature of Tai Chi has been known to improve a practitioner’s sleep.
10. Tai Chi can reduce depression. “More than 20 studies identified in Dr. Wang’s review suggest that Tai Chi tends to reduce depression.” Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi studies.
The benefits you get from the training, like everything worth having takes time, persistence and consistency but the benefits can be amazing.
" Great class and friendly welcoming atmosphere. Very much recommend giving this a try if you are looking for improved balance and general well-being. Suitable for all!
"I like very much the classes as I am very much in need of learning not only about tai chi but also how to do it correctly! The benefits to me are that this helps me enormously as I am in recovery of long term illness."