Focus, breathe and balance
After trying tai chi alongside a non-Englishspeaking master beneath an ancient pagoda in Xi’an, China, Stephen Heard gave it another whirl closer to home, with similar graceless results.
The age-old art of tai chi – a form of mediation in motion – is practised to align the body and the mind.
The basics
Originally conceived as a martial art, tai chi is a far cry from flying kicks, leg sweeps and board breaking. It’s more of a sedated Mr Miyagi than a roundhousing Jean Claude. The Chinese discipline is a low-impact, slow motion exercise and is practised for both its defence training and health benefits. There are five major styles, each named after the family from which it originated.
The most recognised is the Yang tai chi style which incorporates steady and fluid movements to allow for more focus on your internal energy. It’s that harmony of ‘‘slow’’ and ‘‘strong’’ that sees it slot in nicely with the yin and yang philosophy. While the traditional versions are silent, soundtracks have gradually been introduced to make it more fun and provide steady timing between the movements.
You'd think executing smooth and gentle movements would be plain sailing but like any physical activity it requires a reasonable amount of co-ordination.
Giving it a bash
You’d think executing smooth and gentle movements would be plain sailing but like any physical activity it requires a reasonable amount of coordination. Like yoga, strong focus and steady breathing are also required to reach the ultimate goal of inner chi, or zen. Balance is another crucial factor, particularly when it comes to the snails-pace leg balancing of the golden rooster pose.
One lesson is barely enough to get the full grasp of the breathing cycle, let alone the sequence of movements and body alignments; for some it takes decades to master the transitions from one position to the next.
During your first lesson expect to be guided thoroughly through different poses, including the basic standing posture ‘‘white crane spreads wings’’. Also expect to feel a slight strain on your muscles from resting in unconventional poses for extended amounts of time. Patience is a must. As is loose, unrestrictive clothing.
Why you should try it
Tai chi is recognised for having several health benefits, both mental and physical. They include the ability to relieve depression, stress and anxiety, greater aerobic capacity, muscle strength and increased stamina. The physical element can also help lower blood pressure and aide with flexibility and balance. It’s something of a superexercise for the mind and body.
Risk rating
Tai chi is an incredibly safe practice. Though, from the outset you should consult an experienced professional or master of tai chi rather than jumping straight into one of the many tutorials available online.
The key is learning how to position your body properly to avoid strain and retaining the steady breathing pattern. Proceed with caution if you have joint problems, back pain, fractures or osteoporosis.
Any surprises?
Despite often being considered as an activity for old people, tai chi is surprisingly harder than it looks. It’s an efficient way to get the blood pumping and open the mind.