tai chi or yoga?

[butterfly76]

What would you suggest, I haven't done any exercise for many years and want to do it from home with a dvd. I need to tone up and get some flexibility. My muscles are really stiff, I sound like I am 80!!

[kaktus]

I'm not a expert on the subject on Tai Chi and I'm certainly not an expert on Yoga. But I will give you a VERY biased opinion on what you should do (my father is a Tai Chi instructor) :0)

You might have guessed - the answer is Tai Chi!!

Pros:Tai Chi is excellent for muscles and balance. It involves several muscle groups and gives you a great control over your body, both physically and mentally. Futhermore Tai Chi is a martial art, I don't know if you're interested in this part, but it can be self defense training besides the health related aspects.

Cons: You want to do it on your own, so there is no one to check if you're doing it right. I don't know if it Yoga is just as hard to learn your own but I would recommend some classes at first just to get you going. When you have learned a bit you can easily practice one your own and will understand much more of what they're talking about on the dvd.

I would recommend though, that you take a class at first regardless of you want to to do yoga or tai chi. Mostly because if you buy a dvd and find out later you don't like it, it will have been money out the window :0)

If you want to know more about tai chi, just ask. I'll be happy give you more information I can always ask my dad if I don't know the answer.

[butterfly76]

Thanks for all your advice really helpful

[kaktus]

You're welcome! :)

[joe.s-b]

Try Tai Chi first. There are several videos on U tube which will give you a very good idea and used carefully will enable you to choose. I am now 89 and have started again at home. Well worth it whatever age you are and does not need a teacher. My wife does Yoga and Pilates but she is younger and recommends Tai Chi as a start