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If
you’ve been worried about your balance for a while, chances are you’ve
read in a magazine or online that Tai Chi is recommended for people who
want to improve balance.
What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts developed hundreds of years ago. Unlike most martial arts, though, Tai Chi was meant less for combat and more as a way to exercise and increase longevity and well-being. Because of this, Tai Chi doesn’t involve any weapons or sparring with a partner. It took a long time for Tai Chi to make it out of China, but in the last 20 years it has gained considerable popularity in the western world. Many health clubs now offer Tai Chi classes to their members. Tai Chi for Better Balance The movements of Tai Chi are done in a slow and gentle manner, making it an ideal exercise for seniors. Also, it is typically done standing and involves a lot of gradual weight shifting and stepping in different directions. Those types of movements take a lot of body control and are a great way for seniors to work on balance and coordination. In fact, it has been proven to improve balance, which is why you will often see it referenced in articles about fall prevention. Other benefits of Tai Chi may include:
Therefore, it should only be a piece of your well-rounded exercise program, and you will need to do strength and cardiovascular training separately. If you’re interested, you can check with your local fitness center and see if they offer Tai Chi. Dance Your Way to Better Balance See more Senior Balance Articles Order The Balance Manual Sign-up for the Better Balance Ecourse |
