TAI CHI

The movements themselves, and not the sequence are the important aspect of Tai Chi. Slow, disciplined movements, relaxed, yet controlledproduce benefits of exercise felt immediately upon ending the Tai Chi session.

Tai chi is used to:

   * Reduce stress

   * Increase flexibility

   * Improve muscle strength and definition

   * Increase energy, stamina and agility

   * Increase feelings of well-being

   * Reducing anxiety and depression

   * Improving balance and coordination

   * Reducing the number of falls

   * Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep

     longer at night and feeling more alert during the day

   * Slowing bone loss in women after menopause

   * Lowering blood pressure

   * Improving cardiovascular fitness

   * Relieving chronic pain

   * Improving everyday physical functioning

Improved stress reduction, balance, agility for all

Having learned the sequence of the form, is in inself, not the reward of Tai Chi. The reward is in the quest. In the seeking of perfection, which is unattainable, we may glimpse it, feel it, even experience it and thereby gain some insight into our very being. The reward of Tai Chi is the journey itself.

To truely gain benefits from the Tai Chi experience, one must first seek the discipline of mind over body at the beginning of each session.

The warm up exercises prepare you be increasing the core temperature and lubricating the various joints of the body. The practioner should begin to be aware of how the body feels at responds at this time.

• A level of discomfort comes with the introduction of Tai Chi
  

• Developing a comfort zione is part of the learning process
  

• Movements may seem unfamiliar
  

• Making mistakes is part of the learning process and is not only to be accepted but also expected
  

• Tai Chi does not provide instant gratification but requires long term commitment. Delayed gratification is the norm. Instead of attempting to grasp the entire process at once, set short term goals, executing one movement with harmony with balance
  

• Reflect upon the satisfaction & accomplishment derived from the class. Reinforce any personal success you may have experienced by reviewing it within your mind & thereby solidifyingthat which you have learned and experienced.