SO EXCITED!!! Sheri Brittingham introduces the Members of Nutrition station to Tai Chi!!! Every Tuesday & Thursday morning at 9:30am!!! If you are a participating as a NEW Fit Camp Challenge Member, the class is FREE! If you are not in the Fit Camp, its only $5 - and that includes a Rebuild Strength Shake! This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life! 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. You can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health. In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, “white crane spreads its wings” As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention on your bodily sensations. 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 can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery. Belief systems You don’t need to subscribe to or learn much about tai chi’s roots in Chinese philosophy to enjoy its health benefits, but these concepts can help make sense of its approach Qi — an energy force thought to flow through the body; tai chi is said to unblock and encourage the proper flow of qi. Yin and yang — opposing elements thought to make up the universe that need to be kept in harmony. Tai chi is said to promote this balance. A tai chi class might include these parts: Warm-up. Easy motions, such as shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth, help you to loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breath and body. Instruction and practice of tai chi forms. Short forms — forms are sets of movements — may include a dozen or fewer movements; long forms may include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. A short form with smaller, slower movements is usually recommended at the beginning, especially if you’re older or not in good condition. Qigong (or chi kung). Translated as “breath work” or “energy work,” this consists of a few minutes of gentle breathing sometimes combined with movement. The idea is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body’s energy. Qigong may be practiced standing, sitting, or lying down Tai Chi For Health: The Tai Chi for health series was developed by Dr. Paul Lam of Tai Chi Productions. Dr. Lam is a medical doctor and an international Tai Chi expert. The Arthritis Foundation of the US adopted his program that uses a gentle sun stlye routines that are safe, easy to learn and suitable for every fitness level. This program will benefit people with or without arthritis. It is also excellent for stress reduction, improving balance and general health maintenance.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 20:45:38 +0000
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