A very old form of exercise is Tai Chi. This consists of a series of movements, done very slowly, shifts one’s balance and strengthens one’s body. This serves to drastically lower stress, to condition the joints of the hips, knees and ankles, and strengthens and lengthens the muscles and the tendons, making them more resilient and less likely to become injured. The movements involve the constant shifting of one’s weight placement which will training the body over time, increasing over all balance and awareness.
As in many forms of Chinese exercise, and all exercise in general, this has beneficial effects on one’s everyday life, releasing stress and promoting confidence and ease. This practice when done just twenty minutes each day, has these positive outcomes. Sciences of the western countries have been studying the quantifiable effects of Tai Chi which are the increased intake of oxygen and the better utilization of that oxygen, as well as a reduction in blood pressure, the increase in the density of the bones throughout the skeleton, and the decrease of the hormones that flow through one’s body when involved in periods of stress or anxiety.
Not only has the practice been going on for many years in countries such as Hong Kong and China it is gaining in popularity throughout the United States as well. Many people going on vacation are choosing spa like vacations at one of the many resorts or a Hong Kong hotel that offers Tai Chi classes among their amenities. The Hong Kong Tourist Board has even funded classes that take in the city, free of charge and catering to the western travelers who may be new to this form of exercise. This is an inspiring location for one to go to practice as on almost every balcony and in many of the parks, the people of Hong Kong are practicing. Most often times the classes are held outside, as the connection with nature is heavily rooted in the philosophy of the Yin and the Yang, the balance within one’s body as well as one’s balance with the universe.
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