Wednesday, February 27, 2013

THE BENEFITS OF TAI CHI


One of the few bad things about writing books is that authors sit staring at our computers most of the time. I spend eight to ten hours a day at my lovely computer station in my nice pink cave. I love it my time there. If I’m not writing, I’m promoting on social media. Worse, I’m one of those who hate, loathe, and despise exercise. Other than walking on my treadmill while I watch a segment of HGTV, one thing I’ve found that I do like is Tai Chi. Even a klutz like me can do the slow, controlled movements of Tai Chi. Don't confuse this with defensive martial arts or even gentled down yoga. Tai Chi is an ancient exercise practiced in China. One of our beneficial imports. ☺ So, I have agreed to let a more knowledgeable person post about this ancient form of centering the body and mind. Here’s my guest, nurse Pam Johnson:

The Body Benefits Of Tai Chi
By Pam Johnson

Young man practicing Tai Chi
Photo from iStock

Tai chi is a great way to achieve total mind and body balance. Unlike strenuous exercise routines, tai chi is a gentle way to relieve stress while getting your body in shape. Often referred to as "meditation in motion", tai chi uses slow motion, slow impact exercises to get your body into optimum shape. Just like with meditation, tai chi also uses breathing techniques that help to balance the mind while balancing the body. If you are curious about the benefits tai chi can have on your body, here are some of them.

- Strengthen Muscles. Tai chi is a great way to strengthen your muscles. When you incorporate a tai chi exercise routine in your day to day life, you will begin to build muscles and therefore increase your body strength.

- Body Balance. As you age, your body begins to lose its coordination and balance. Tai chi helps to build this balance, which can be especially important to older individuals. When your body has better balance, you will be better equipped to protect it from injuries that can occur from a painful fall because you won't be as apt to fall.

Tai Chi can be practiced almost anywhere
at almost any age
Photo from iStock
- Flexibility. Body flexibility is important in so many ways, and tai chi can help you acquire both upper and lower body flexibility. When you are flexible, you will suffer less injuries due to strained and torn muscles. Flexibility is very important to the overall health of your body.

- Mental Balance. When we think about the health of our bodies, we often fail to recognize the fact that mental health is just as important as physical health. Since tai chi involves meditation, this form of exercise can help to strengthen and calm the mind which can lead to an overall higher level of mental health.

- Improves Health Conditions. Tai chi is great for fighting off numerous health problems and diseases. When you practice tai chi on a daily basis, you can help your body fight off illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, stroke, hypertension, and certain health conditions that affect the bones. If you want to improve the health of your body so to help avoid these medical problems, you may want to consider incorporating tai chi into your daily exercise routine.

- Stress. If you find that you are overwhelmed by stress, practicing tai chi may actually help to cut down or all together eliminate stress from your life. Because it involves meditation and balancing of the mind, tai chi is great at fighting off the negative side effects associated with stress.

As you can see, tai chi has numerous health benefits for both your mental and physical health. Unlike certain exercise techniques that are not good for all people, tai chi is a form of exercise that can be beneficial for almost anyone. Just like with any exercise techniques, it is best to speak with your doctor before incorporating tai chi into your daily exercise routine. If you want to eliminate stress, improve health conditions, improve body and mental balance, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility, you may want to consider giving tai chi a chance. You will most certainly be happy that you did.



Author Pam Johnson has been a nurse for several years. She facilitates tai chi classes for those whom would benefit from them. She received her nursing degree from one of the Best Master's in Nursing Degree Programs in the country.


Thanks, Pam. 

And while you're considering where to sign up for Tai Chi, why not read my latest book? You can find BLUEBONNET BRIDE here:






Thanks for stopping by!

1 comment:

MK McClintock said...

What a great post! I love when other authors talk about how writers can be healthier. You're right about how necessary it is to stay healthy and get more exercise--all that sitting takes its toll on our bodies. Our minds are working so hard, our bodies deserve the same. Tai Chi looks relaxing.