TAI CHI Q&A
The art of Tai Chi is often misunderstood and can look intimidating at first glance. Here's some of the more common questions asked when new students contemplate taking up Tai Chi.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is an ancient chinese slow moving exercise that focuses on coordinating breath with movement for lifelong health.
What kind of health benefits can I expect from taking Tai Chi?
Tai Chi greatly improves balance, strength and flexibility. Tai Chi is used for weight loss, stress reduction, high blood pressure, fatigue and depression. Tai Chi is also useful for people experiencing Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer and many other health issues.
Do you have a Beginner’s class?
Our beginner’s class consists of simple, easy to follow breathing and stretching exercises. For more information on our Tai Chi Program, or register for this class, click here
Do I have to be in good physical condition to start Tai Chi?
Body Balance's Tai Chi Program is often used for rehabilitation purposes and can be modified for all levels of health. Our Tai Chi program is recommended as a safe and healthy bridge to exercise and a healthy lifestyle. At Body Balance we have Tai Chi students that range from 14 -84 years old, so Tai Chi is truly a lifelong health practice.
Can I learn Tai Chi from a video tape?
Technological advancements have brought us many excellent forms of communication. However, Tai Chi, as it has been for over a thousand years, is best passed on from one person to another. Video may be used for supplemental purposes, but there are far too many complex movements and concepts to learn from watching a video tape. Most importantly, learning from a qualified instructor such as the ones at Body Balance will ensure you learn the form in a safe and healthy manner. Plus, you get to meet new friends in the process!
How do I choose a Tai Chi School?
There are literally dozens of styles of Tai Chi out there and thousands of teachers. The Yang style is renowned for its proven health benefits and devout lineage. At Body Balance our instructors are fully certified and have met the strict qualifications set forth in our lineage. Instructors are chosen for their high level of skill, attention to detail, and have proven to teach the form in a SAFE and HEALTHY manner. Our floating bamboo floors were engineered to have minimal impact on joints and give you the comfort and ease of flowing through the postures. With our spacious studio you have the freedom and opportunity to take your practice to the next level. When choosing a school you should ask yourself the following questions:
What systems does the school have in place to make sure that YOU are leaerning the form in the way it was intended, to prevent joint problems down the road? At Body Balance we have periodic "checkups". You can't go on until we see that you are performing the moves safely and properly.
What knowledge is there after the Tai Chi Form? At Body Balance there is knowledge to grow your memory and keep you interested for YEARS to come. If your teacher only knows one form, and worse yet, a few moves you can be sure that there isn't the knowledge base or skill level to keep you safely learning the martial arts for years to come. It is unfortunate, but true that many students who have a bad teacher once will never have the opportunity to discover the power that Tai Chi can give us, or worse yet, have longterm joint problems because of poor form. Don't let this person be you! Get started in a safe, healthful practice today!
I don't live near a Body Balance school, where can I go? We refer to quality martial arts schools all over the country that we know have quality programs with YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING IN MIND.
