Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient art that is practiced slowly and gracefully, yet develops extraordinary power, lightness, awareness, health, and tranquility in the persistent practitioner.   It is a practice that not only strengthens the body, but engages the mind, and can be enjoyed by the young, the old, the healthy, the sick, the strong, or the not so strong. There are many benefits to practicing this art, in addition to the ones listed above.  Here are a few more:

1. Improve Your Balance
   As we get older, one of the first signs of aging is loss of balance. Tai chi emphasizes structure and mechanics, as well as relaxing and sinking, in order to improve and maintain good balance by strengthening the legs, and loosening the joints and connective tissue. These components work together to provide more awareness and control over your balance.
2. Relieve Stress
   Tai Chi is an art that places emphasis on breathing and meditation while maintaining control over your body. Studies have shown that these components of Tai Chi can reduce stress and anxiety in some participants. The slow, low-impact nature of the art is relaxing to some students of Tai Chi, and the focus on breathing leads them to become more in-tune with their bodies.
3. Reduce Arthritic Pain
   Some studies have reported that, in regards to reducing pain associated with arthritis, practicing Tai Chi can reduce this pain. Since the practice is so low-impact and is a slower-moving form of exercise than most other forms of physical activity, it is perfect for those who experience most kinds of joint pain that prevents them from having a large range of motion.
4. Encourages Healthy Living
   Starting most any kind of physical activity will encourage a healthy lifestyle, and Tai Chi is no exception. Since there is such an emphasis on breath, meditation, and measured movements of the body, practitioners of Tai Chi will notice that they are more in-tune with their body and will be more likely to practice a healthy lifestyle in order to keep feeling good.
5. Better Sleep
   Studies have shown that taking two or more Tai Chi classes a week can improve the sleep quality of adults. This may be because of the way that Tai Chi reduces stress in its practitioners, leading to higher quality and more restful sleep.

Now that you know the benefits that regular Tai Chi practice can have on your life, why not sign up for a class? We offer Tai Chi Chuan classes at RYK Yoga and Meditation Center multiple times a week!