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Beginners Guide to Tai Chi
Beginners Guide to Tai Chi Step #1: Ask yourself what you hope to gain from Tai Chi.
The first step is to determine what you hope to achieve through practicing Tai Chi. There are many people all over the world that has experienced the many benefits that Tai Chi has to offer. Keeping your initial intention in mind each time you begin your practice will increase you qi energy to flow with purpose and intent. Discussing your goals and intentions with an instructor is also quite helpful. Have another question? Ask us!
Some Benefits Include
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Improving balance
Improving cognition
Better sleep
Helps with Fibromyalgia
Reduce risk of falling
Reduce stress
Reduce depression
Reduce Arthritis Pain
Manage Chronic Conditions
Beginners Guide to Tai Chi Step #2: Try it!
Should I go to a school or try online tutorial? Which One? What Style?
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As mentioned before thanks to source ( Tai Chi for Health Institute ) there are many styles and forms of tai chi, the major ones being Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu (different words in Chinese) and Sun. Each style has its own features, but all styles share the same essential principles. There are also many others schools that resemble some of the major five styles but to each so a different and unique interpretation staying within the elements and core principals of Tai Chi. Our suggestion is to try a nearby school that offers a free trial class or search for a Tai Chi instructional beginners video for free online. Below are some of the ones we suggest to start along with our own Tai Chi for beginners form.
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Past injury? Something stopping you?
Here are some common questions.
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What if I have a previous injury and are afraid of re-injury or concerned that practicing might cause discomfort or additional issues?
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Always notify the teacher if you choose to practice at a school and if you choose online learning practicing slowly within your limitations and advance carefully from there. It's always important before practicing that you address any discomfort you're having. There are always minor adjustments or different movements that will allow you to continue your practice. Have another question? Ask us!
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It's hard for me to stand for long periods of time. How long should I practice what form is right for me? Can I practice Tai Chi sitting down?
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If you need to sit during a practicing session or form that's alight. Listen and pay attention to the feeling in your body during stages of practice. Do what you can within your limitations, take a break, then get back to it. Everyone progresses at different times and different ways. Go at your own pace and advance as you get better and more comfortable with your practice. Tai Chi can be practiced sitting down as well. Even though your legs might be involved as much through sitting practice doesn't mean you're not benefiting just as much as the person who is standing. Breathing is an essential part of Tai Chi in which sitting practice has the ability to increase the flow of qi and focus more on energy cultivation. See the video below on Tai Chi sitting down. Have another question? Ask us!
I have issues with my knee how can I get around that?
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It's important to notify your instructor that you have knee issues and what movements trigger discomfort and inability before participating. You can also try styles that start in high stances versus low and deeper stances then work your way up. There are always other ways to practice Tai Chi safely and comfortably within your limits. In addition, described in the question above you can also start sitting down then build your way up to standing. Have another question? Ask us!
Beginners Guide to Tai Chi Step #3: Set a Schedule
Once you've found a style or form that makes you comfortable designate an area for practice. Set aside time for regular practice. There's no specific amount of time you should spend practicing, but we recommend anywhere between 10-15 mintues. As you become more comfortable or are wanting to accelerate your progression extend the practice session to a longer time frame.
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What should I wear when practicing Tai Chi?
We recommend loose and comfortable clothing. Shoes should be also comfortable and light but still up to your support standards. Tai chi can also be performed without shoes. Grip socks are also an option and work great on hardwood floors. Have another question? Ask us!
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Do I need a mat or any other equipment?
No. A mat is not needed during practice.
Beginners Guide to Tai Chi Step #4: Keep an open mind, observe, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Some things may not make sense or need more explanation due to your inexperience and lack of knowledge as a beginner. There's an explanation for everything you do in Tai Chi. As a beginner you should feel comfortable with asking about any particular subject relating Tai Chi. Have another question? Ask us!
Beginners Guide to Tai Chi Step #5: Keep challenging yourself.
Once you've gone through all the previous steps above just know that Tai Chi is a lifetime journey. Try to implement parts of Tai Chi into your lifestyle. Try other styles, go to seminars, travel, and connect with people around the world that share the same love for Tai Chi as you do. Learn as much as you can about Tai Chi and keep spreading the positive energy. Have another question? Ask us!
