Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art practiced with movements performed slowly and quietly, providing the movement of body energy and stimulating body awareness, concentration and tranquility.
This practice stimulates both the physical and mental parts. Its main benefits are:
- Increase vitality, with more disposition and energy for the day-to-day;
- Strengthen muscles;
- Improve balance;
- Increase concentration;
- Decrease muscle tension;
- Improve flexibility of joints;
- Relieve stress and combat depression;
- Balancing emotions;
- Stimulate social interaction;
- Stimulate the nervous and immune system.
Tai Chi can be practiced by anyone, and it is recommended to wear soft shoes and comfortable clothes that do not hinder the performance of the movements. It can also be practiced in any place, but preferably outdoors.
This practice is also known as meditation on the move, and is very accomplished both as a self-defense sport but also for therapeutic purposes, as its exercises bring benefits such as correcting posture, balance and strength, as well as harmonizing emotions and to combat mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most simple and easy to do martial arts. It can be practiced by anyone and started at any age and is very suitable for the elderly.
Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for Seniors
Tai Chi Chuan is an ideal exercise for the elderly, as it is a low-impact, unrestricted martial art, bringing various benefits such as avoiding loss of muscle strength, increasing bone strength and improving balance and flexibility, the risk of falls and fractures. Know what the elderly should do to avoid losing muscle mass.
This martial art is also a physical activity that lessens the pain caused by arthritis, arthrosis and muscular contractures. The health of the heart can also be improved with this practice, which, in addition, brings benefits to psychological health, improving well-being, serenity and tranquility.
Also check out other physical exercises that are great for the health of the elderly.
How to start practicing
Tai Chi Chuan is practiced with the combination of movements, which aim to promote the circulation of the vital energy of the body, called Chi Kung. These movements must be performed in a fluid manner and in a state of full mental attention.
Thus, the practice involves the combination between breathing, martial arts movements such as punches and kicks, and concentration of mind. It is possible to practice this martial art alone or, preferably, guided by a professional in group lessons.
The ability of the movements is achieved gradually, so it is necessary to practice regularly. Generally, Tai Chi Chuan is practiced with a slow pace, so that you can do the movements with precision, and as you become more experienced, you can practice with more speed.
