Healthy Living

Are you balanced?

This may seem like an odd question yet it is probably worth considering. Many people live their whole adult life without really feeling good and healthy.
Conditions such as 'stress' as so commonplace that we treat them as normal. Yet, stress is very harmful to your health and can lead to illness, psychological problems and premature aging.
Tai chi encourages people to re-balance their lives.

Take it easy

Tai chi differs from most forms of exercise because it doesn't expect too much from you. The aim is to relax and only do what is comfortable.
There is no pressure or competition involved, no need to perform or be the best.

Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

(World Health Organisation)

A healthy martial art

Tai chi is famous for its well-documented health benefits:

• Stress-relief
• Encourages a calm mind and composed emotions
• Energises
• Does not strain the body
• Improves circulation
• Teaches coordination
• Emphasis is placed upon mobile joints, relaxed muscles and natural movement
• Low-impact
• Strengthens the body without exertion
• Improves balance
• Improves memory

Tai chi can be practiced by anyone who can perform the movements. You always work at your own pace.

Ongoing practice

People often start a class with a defined goal in mind. They want a certificate, to become an instructor or they want to 'get it' and then stop. Tai chi is not like this.
Training is ongoing; with new skills being studied every lesson. Existing material is improved, refined and deepened. We are interested in how we do things, rather than simply the end result.

Grow

By being patient with yourself, you give yourself space to change and grow. This must occur at your own pace and in your own time.
There is no conclusion to the training. The benefits of tai chi will continue for as long as you practice.

Invest in your wellbeing

Tai chi is an investment. If you set aside the time and gently work through the syllabus, then the dividends are enormous.

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

(Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publication, May 2009)

Healthy living with tai chi

We offer an ideal form of exercise for people who suffer from illness or simply want to improve their health.
Stronger muscles and bones, combined with greater flexibility of the joints, will improve body usage beyond the class. Discover how to relax, move with agility and de-stress.