As age catches up on everyone, we try to find more viable sports that engage the body without exerting too much strength. While all these exercises are good physically, exercises like tai chi are famous for their physical and mental benefits. Also known as meditation in motion, tai chi makes use of graceful moves that are perfectly transitioning from one to the other. Typically done in a peaceful atmosphere, there are many great benefits for everyone, especially mature people. Here are some of the amazing benefits of tai chi for mature adults, and why you should start on it too.
Tai Chi Builds Strength
Tai chi is not on the same level as strength training where equipment is needed. The only thing you need is your body, but you will be using the muscles that you have for very specific moves. Tai chi’s moves are usually slow-paced and gentle, which gives you enough time to extend your limbs to their fullest. These movements will gradually help to make you stronger and more flexible. Constantly moving your muscles helps you to gain control of your body movements which may become more difficult as time passes.
Promotes Flexibility and Mobility
While training and strengthening muscles, tai chi also helps to promote flexibility and mobility. As the movements in the exercise are slow, it gives you more time to focus your energy on muscles not as commonly used. Using all the muscles in your body frequently will help to make them more fluid and increase your flexibility. Strength and flexibility are definitely a flex for anyone of any age group, so taking up tai chi does not seem like a bad idea now does it?
Helps with Balance
One important aspect that tai chi trains on as well would be balancing. With slow movements, balance is important to ensure you do not fall halfway through a move. For most maturing people, balance tends to become an issue as there is a decrease in the use of their muscles. Gaining muscles and maintaining balance through constantly practicing tai chi helps to avoid falls and injuries, keeping you safe.
Relieves Arthritis
Arthritis can be a painful condition where even the smallest movement can hurt the joints. Similar to yoga, tai chi is not a strenuous sport that will leave you hurting badly. Instead, tai chi helps to relieve the symptoms without large amounts of pain. Muscle strength is important to protect your joints and alleviate the pain. Tai chi’s fluidity in its movements also helps to reduce the stiffness that is caused by the inflammation of joints.
Alleviates Stress
Killing two birds with one stone, tai chi helps you better your mental health as well! Its slow transitions between each pose allow time for meditation and focused breathing. The pace at which the exercise happens helps with relaxation of the mind and body, reducing stress and improving your mood! With such amazing benefits, what are you waiting for? Learn it now!