MONTICELLO–– Tai chi/ Chi Kung are ancient exercises that have roots in The Martial Arts. In recent years it is used more for its health benefits. The translation of the word Tai Chi is grand ultimate. It is a series of postures performed with slow and gentle motion that has been heralded as good for improving your overall health.

Some of the benefits that are linked to this practice include: build power, loosen muscles, decrease stress, and help improve circulation. Tai chi/Chi Kung has also been known to help balance emotions, lower blood pressure, increase balance and flexibility, improve memory and much more.

Tai chi/Chi Kung is an internal exercise. When you think about exercise people tend to think external (outer physique) and focus solely on the outside appearance. We don’t immediately think internal.  Imagine a car that is beautiful on the outside but the engine inside is no good.  The engine of a car has many components that help the car run. If the engine or “inside” is no good, you can’t expect that car to travel very far. So it is with the body. If the inside “internal” is not taken care of you can develop serious health issues.

Two of the most important keys in Tai chi/Chi Kung are balance and breathing. As we start to age one of the things we struggle with is balance. And even if you’re young balance is still very important but as they say “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” Balance is the foundation of the practice for fluid, controlled movements. The only way to stay in balance is to focus on the mind-body connection. Have you ever noticed that we don’t pay attention to our breath until we have trouble breathing? Tai chi/Chi Kung teaches you to focus on your breath to aid in smooth transitions from posture to posture.

Don’t be intimidated by Tai chi/Chi Kung. If you can breathe and move, you can practice too.