Tai Chi

[smurfchops]

Does anyone do Tai Chi and would you say it is good for general aches and pains and well being ?

[B00]

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1018935.html

[smurfchops]

Thanks B00 but no answers in that thread just chat ! I need someone who actually does it ..

[B00]

oh right sorry, thought maybe the news story in there (link in the OP ) might help?

[NOX]

My mother in law does Tai chi and her husband teaches it. She's 72 and also does yoga and eats well etc, looks after herself. she's very fit and limber and rides horses still, so it certainly can't hurt.

[granny grump]

We had a taster session at work and I have to say that for very little movement it certainly worked the muscles.

Being arthritic & overweight it is an exercise that I could do and when I finally retire I would probably consider it

[icemaiden]

My friend and I started about a year ago. My friend still does it now. She feels that it has helped to tone her muscles and has helped her to relax more. I enjoy watching her.

Unfortunately, I had to stop as it just made my back problems worse. I had a two level spinal fusion. Thought it might help with strengthening muscles but did the opposite.
So if you have a history of back problems, then I wouldn't recommend it.

[AlBags]

For getting them .. yes! : )
Try kick-boxing.

[tamborine]

Tai chi helps sprains, pulled tendons/muscles and keeps the joints from stiffening. I stretch & rotate joints in the morning; else I'd probably fall down the stairs with numb feet :)

There are plenty of different methods, some vigorous & others gentle movement.

[Cowtipper]

My mother loves it and it seems to help her a lot. No personal experience.

[bensmum]

I did Tai chi regularly and still go to class if time allows. I found the opposite to Ice Maiden in that it helped with my back. It helped with my general posture and certainly with general aches and pains, I found the breathing exercises beforehand very good for relaxation too. So really I think it's a case of trying it for a while - any good instructor will work with you so that if you have specific health problems you can avoid certain movements.

[yogasun]

I have done Tai Chi for 5 years having learnt the whole of the Long Form from a very experienced tutor.
As a Yoga teacher myself I consider Tai Chi good for a feeling of well being.
It helps to strengthen quad muscles due to the posture that you adopt through the Form (bent legs) but can aggravate knee conditions as there are some moves where there is an element of twisting and if your hips are stiff it can be a problem
It's good for the memory(!) as in the Long Form there are 108 plus different moves to remember in the three parts! Depends if it is Long or Short Form however, one is much easier and possibly gentler depending on tutor.
I'd still prefer Yoga (done it for 38 years) , but then I am biased!

[smurfchops]

Rather than go to classes, do yu think it would be a good idea to get a DVD and try it at home ? At least that way I could see if I like it or not, I think ...

[yogasun]

Yes, that might be an idea and as I said it depends very much on the style and form of the Tai Chi, there are several.

[Wak]

I imagine that you have looked on the internet already but here's a link I thought was interesting, informative and with demonstrations of the Form 24.

http://www.everyday-t...-form-beijing-24.html

[ladyalex]

I do a Tai Chi class every week and have done for about 5 years now.
I have found it very helpful for my balance and for increasing my stamina. I am also sure it has helped my knee and shoulder problems.
The kind of Tai Chi that I do is Taoist Tai Chi , here is their website:
http://www.taoist.org.uk/

The exercises are very gentle and the instructors are very clear that nothing that you do should cause you pain of any kind. They also encourage you to rest if you feel tired. Two regular attenders at the class I go to do the exercises sitting down as they have significant back and or arthritis problems.
When I started I wanted to watch a video, but it was very much discouraged by the instructors. The 'beginners' class lasted for about 6 months. In that we learned the 110 moves of the 'set' and some basic exercises. In the 'continuing' class we practise the 'set' as well as the more 'advanced' exercises.
I thoroughly enjoy going to the classes. I have never even gone to an exercise class before, never mind kept it up, but the tranquil, non-competitive nature of Tai Chi suits me very well.
So, in answer to your question,IMHO, yes it is good for general aches and pains and yes, it is good for wellbeing.
:-))

[askyourgran]

I read an article in todays Daily Express which shows six basic tai chai movements. It has always fascinated me, I find the moves very restful to watch. It is something that I would like to do.The article says it is good for the calming and strengthening the body.