Tai chi in agia pelagia renia's classes

Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

There are many styles and forms of tai chi, the major ones being Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu (different words in Chinese) and Sun. Each style has its own features, but all styles share the same essential principles.

Tai Chi at Renia's

The essential principles include mind integrated with the body; control of movements and breathing; generating internal energy, mindfulness, song loosening and jing serenity The ultimate purpose of tai chi is cultivate the qi or life energy within us to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, empowered through healthy qi through the practice of tai chi. Tai Chi for Health programs are modernized tai chi incorporating medical science to deliver health benefits more quickly..

 

Tai chi to the beach

1. Flexibility Exercises
 These exercises reduce stiffness and help keep joints flexible. The range of motion is the normal amount joints can be moved in certain directions. Stiffness causes pain; therefore, increased flexibility will help in relieving this pain.
 Tai Chi involves gentle moving of all joints, muscles and tendons throughout the body. Many scientific studies have shown Tai Chi significantly increases flexibility.
2. Muscle Strengthening Exercises
 These exercises help maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help keep the joints stable, therefore, protecting the joints. This will minimize future injury, and reduce pain. Improved muscle strength enables one to do more which in turn improves the circulation of blood and body fluids.
 Two common strengthening exercises are isometric and isotonic exercises. In isometric exercises the muscles are tightened but the joints do not move, while in isotonic exercises the muscles are strengthened by moving joints. Tai chi contains both isometric and isotonic elements. Studies have proven Tai Chi to be effective in strengthening muscles by 15 to 20%.
3. Fitness Exercises
 Fitness or cardio-respiratory exercises help strengthen the heart and lungs and increases stamina, which is important for maintaining health. Joints and tissues need a good supply of blood and oxygen for healing. Better circulation of blood, fluid and oxygen also helps to keep joints flexible and muscles strong.
 Tai Chi is a particularly effective fitness exercise. Studies also measured various parameters of cardio-respiratory fitness and have found significant improvement.

4. Posture Exercise
 Many doctors and therapists believe there is a fourth type of important exercise: correct body posture and body spatial awareness. When the posture is correct, there will be less inappropriate wear of the joints and muscles. When your posture is upright, the lung space is larger. The body works better in an upright posture.
 A stooped body and drooping shoulders is often associated with sadness, fear and negative emotions. Try to assume such a posture and you will most likely start having negative feelings. Whereas, in an upright, powerful but supple posture you will find it difficult to be depressed and negative. Right posture leads to positive feelings or a positive mental state that in turn improves the physical body.
 Many people with arthritis or illnesses are stressed and depressed. Studies have shown Tai Chi is effective in relieving stress.
5. Desirable Exercise
 The power of the mind can help the healing of the body. The immense power of the mind has not been fully estimated. Medical studies have found that Tai Chi improves many facets of the mental state for people facing challenging health problems. Many people involved in Tai chi study groups commented that they enjoy practicing Tai Chi and wish to continue after the study ended.
Some of the information on this page was taken from Dr. Paul Lam’s article, “How Does Tai Chi Improve Health and Arthritis?”
 Students may progress at different rates and are encouraged to practice on their own. Making Tai Chi a part of your daily routine is very beneficial.