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.
Page created
18 April 2005
Last updated
16 June 2023
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