Tai Chi Chuan: Breathe Deeply, Move Gently, Feel Great

What Is Tai Chi?
Ever see a group of Chinese people on TV practicing a set of slow, beautiful movements in the park or city square? That was probably tai chi. Ever notice that the group generally includes men, women, children and centenarians? THAT’S what makes tai chi special. Tai chi chuan is an ancient martial art that a wide variety of people practice primarily for health. It is normally practiced slowly and gently in conjunction with slow, deep breathing – ideal for building strength and health at a gradual pace. It can also be practiced by individuals with mobility issues, as the movements of tai chi are easily adapted to practice in a seated position. The proper body mechanics emphasized in tai chi are also gentle to your joints.

What’s In It for Me?
Tai chi can be a lot of fun and just plain feels good, a combination that keeps you feeling young. And it can offer many important health benefits of concern to seniors and younger people alike, including:

• reduction in stress level;
• core strength and spine stability;
• weight-bearing exercise, good for bone density;
• improved mobility/flexibility;
• hip- and leg-muscle strength;
• improved blood and lymph circulation;
• proper breathing;
• balance and coordination;
• better daily energy and mental focus;
• improved immune system functioning; and
• self-defense (can definitely preserve your health).

While most people practice tai chi primarily for health, it is also a very effective martial art and offers good self-defense skills (if your instructor is trained in these skills). When practiced at a faster pace, tai chi is great for aerobic fitness too.
Tai chi is by its nature relaxing and calming, and most of us could use that sort of mini-vacation in our week. Well suited to peaceful warriors of all ages, tai chi is a great way to get strong and healthy, inside and out.

Interesting Links:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-tai-chi-qigong
http://www.texasholisticartscenter.com/martial_arts.htm
http://www.therapeutictaichi.com/vereandtaich.html
Juli Hartmann
Master Instructor and Owner
Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.texasholistics.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009

New Year’s Resolutions: How to Keep Them

The scary words here are “commitment” and “self-discipline.” Yikes! Who wants to hear about that? The supportive word is “class,” which means you don’t have to do everything alone.
Everyone wants to get in better shape, or at least maintain. But no one seems to want to get up an hour earlier every day and exercise, all alone.
So how do you keep your promises to yourself?
A Good Idea: Find a short-term class doing something you will do on your own after the class ends. Most people find that they need an ongoing class, but a short-term class can act as a jump-start to your program.
The Best Idea: Find a class doing something active that you enjoy and enroll for a long-term program. What’s the best activity? The one you will do!
Main Ideas:
Plan to exercise with a group. There’s strength in numbers, and it’s more fun.
Pay for a class. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg, but paying something will help you show up consistently.
Find something that keeps your interest. You won’t stick to it if you don’t like it.
Class Ideas:
Yoga. Find a yoga class that offers strengthening and toning as well as stretching, balance, breathing and a peaceful routine.
Kickboxing. Many of us are trying to keep a resolution of losing weight and helping our hearts and lungs stay healthy. A kickboxing class should offer aerobic exercise, which is useful for both goals. It can also help you get “buff”!
Kickboxing Boot Camp. This kind of class would serve as a jump-start to your own program. A good class of this type should offer nutrition information, goal setting and assessment, and a good kickboxing aerobic/toning routine. It will also teach you real fighting skills.
Kung Fu or Other Martial Art. These classes are usually active and make you tougher while getting you some good exercise. Find a school that teaches a philosophy of peace and self-discipline while it teaches you solid self-defense and training techniques.
Tai Chi. This comes in many shapes and sizes. The best classes will teach you self-defense applications while helping you get consistent, low-impact exercise. They will also offer smaller classes and a well rounded curriculum.
Just do SOMETHING! TV and beer will not help you keep your resolutions – a good class will.
Juli Hartmann
Master Instructor and Owner
Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com/, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. http://www.texasholistics.com/
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009