Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art practiced with movements performed slowly and in silence, providing the movement of the body's energy and stimulating body awareness, concentration and tranquility.
This practice stimulates both the physical and the mental. Its main benefits are:
- Increase vitality, with more disposition and energy for day-to-day life; Strengthen muscles; Improve balance; Increase concentration; Decrease muscle tension; Improve joint flexibility; Relieve stress and fight depression; Balance emotions; Stimulate social interaction; Stimulate the nervous and immune systems.
Tai Chi can be practiced by anyone, and it is recommended to wear soft shoes and comfortable clothes that do not hinder the performance of movements. It can also be practiced anywhere, but preferably outdoors.
This practice is also known as meditation in movement, and it is widely performed both as a self-defense sport, but also for therapeutic purposes, as its exercises bring benefits such as correcting posture, balance and strength, in addition to harmonizing emotions and combat mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Tai Chi Chuan is one of the simplest and easiest martial arts, it can be practiced by anyone and started at any age, and is also very suitable for the elderly.
Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for the elderly
Tai Chi Chuan is an ideal exercise for the elderly, as it is a low-impact martial art that has no restrictions, bringing several benefits such as preventing loss of muscle strength, increasing bone strength and improving balance and flexibility, decreasing the risk of falls and fractures. Know what the elderly person should do to avoid losing muscle mass.
This martial art is also a physical activity that reduces the pain caused by arthritis, arthrosis and muscle contractures. Heart health can also be improved with this practice, which, in addition, brings benefits to psychological health, improving well-being, serenity and tranquility.
Also check out other physical exercises that are great for the health of the elderly.
How to start practicing
Tai Chi Chuan is practiced with a combination of movements, which aim to promote the circulation of the body's vital energy, called Chi Kung. These movements must be performed fluidly and in a state of mindfulness.
Thus, the practice involves the combination of breathing, martial arts movements, such as punches and kicks, and concentration of the mind. It is possible to practice this martial art alone or, preferably, guided by a professional in group classes.
The skill of the movements is achieved gradually, so it is necessary to practice regularly. Generally, Tai Chi Chuan is practiced at a slow pace, so that you can do the movements accurately, and as you become more experienced, you can practice with more speed.
