Exercise is boring (2)
 
     

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Little & often

Rather than train for a lengthy period of time, aim to practice little & often. 20-30 minute increments, with rest breaks in-between is ideal.
Instead of pushing your body hard and putting it under duress, just do a little exercise. Resting will keep your concentration sharp and offset fatigue.


Quality, not quantity

Instead of doing a lot, do less but do it well. Even 10 minutes a day is worth doing... If you are short on time, why not stagger the training across the week or do more on a weekend?


'
Active rest'

Some people use the jargon term 'active rest'. This isn't actual rest at all. It is an active break; not a rest.
 

The philosophy of between-reps breaks consists of doing everything you can to avoid fatigue instead of seeking it out as you would in body building. Striving for failure is more appropriate for those working on muscle mass than for those wanting to increase strength or power.

(Frederic Delavier)

Cross-training in our school

All martial arts require the student to be fit for combat.
Tai chi students train: massage, leg stretches, qigong, neigong, form, partnered work, martial sets & drills, combat and weapons.
The training is done carefully, gently - in a controlled manner - without exertion or strain. We aim to improve health and wellbeing through frequent, regular practice using low effort.


Versatility

Tai chi training involves both solo and partnered work.
Solo training includes qigong exercises, stretching, meditation, self-massage, constructive rest, forms, drills, weapons practice, wallbag, strength building, stamina and endurance work.
Partnered practice can range from posture testing, sensitivity drills, joint manipulation to full blown combat.


Challenge yourself

Tai chi students work at their own pace. Nothing is forced. There is little repetition and no scope for boredom.
If a student feels bored, it is because they have not committed to regular training and/or looked deeper into the art.


If we didn't tense our muscles, we're in good balance, not interfering with our breathing, and if we're free, tall and expansive in stature, and used a minimum of effort, then we could say we had done the job really well.


(Noel Kingsley)

More than exercise

In tai chi, much of the work will be performed by the mind. Students must improve their memory, perception, awareness, insights, mindfulness, presence, nervous system, acuity and intelligence.
To perform the art correctly, you must engage your whole being. 


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Page created 18 April 2005
Last updated 16 June 2023