Tai Chi. Many have seen it and may not even realize it. You may have noticed individuals in the park or even groups of people making very deliberate movements.
We have been asked “what’s with the slow Karate?”
It is not Karate, it’s Tai Chi. One of the programs we have been doing for years here at SOHMA Integrative Medicine is organizing Tai Chi classes for our neighbors in Long Beach.
One of the commonly asked questions we get is: Can you tell me what Tai Chi is?
What is Tai Chi and Will It Benefit Me?
Tai chi is an ancient tradition that began in China. It is a gentle form of exercise. One of its many benefits is how it can be performed by those in many states of physical fitness. You might be an Ironman triathlete or an individual coming off injury or even someone beginning their exercise journey.
Tai chi has many styles and because it includes posture, exercise, and stretching it can help you in many different ways.
Let’s get into the benefits of Tai Chi and you can decide if you would like to join us for one of our classes.
Benefit #1: Decreased stress, anxiety, and depression
You will discover how to focus on the current state of your body. It will teach you to understand your body and how to focus your mind. When you do this it is amazing how many other issues seem to reduce in importance.
Benefit #2: Improved flexibility, balance and agility
We have individuals who regularly attend our Tai Chi Class at Heartwell Park who are competitive triathletes, cyclists, and runners. Why would they do this “slow motion” exercise?
They do it for the benefits of their flexibility. Regardless of your sport, when you improve your flexibility and balance it will help you. We have yet to meet an athlete who said “I am too flexible” or “I have too much balance”.
Benefit #3: Improved aerobic capacity
Are there times when you are going up stairs that you have a hard time breathing? Are there times when you are walking that you feel out of breath?
Starting a regular exercise routine can be scary. Tai Chi, especially one like our beginner group, is a safe space to begin. You will get support from those around you who have been where you are if you are just starting.
What you will discover is you begin to see progress. You want to change other things and “suddenly” your health has improved because you took the first step.
Benefit #4: Improved Mood
A positive attitude can really change one’s perspective. Having a great attitude in a bad situation can make it not as bad. Dare we say it can even make a situation fun.
What you will discover in tai chi is that you learn how to breathe, you learn how to control your body, and by process you will discover how you can alter your mood.
Benefit #5: Increased energy and stamina
Walking by a school yard you can see kids have boundless energy. Many adults say “I wish I had their energy!”. It’s true kids have a ton of energy and here is another thing adults can have more energy as well!
What we invite you to do is take up a form of exercise that can provide you with more energy. There are exercise routines that are so aggressive they can reduce your energy. Tai chi is one that can help you build energy and stamina.
Explore The Benefits of Tai Chi at our Free Class
We met on a regular basis at Heartwell park in Long Beach, CA. We often get asked “why is it free?” or “is it really free?”
The answer is yes it is absolutely free. We do this class as a way to give back to the community in Long Beach, CA. We care about the health of our community members.
Check out our meet-up page for information on Long Beach Tai Chi Classes.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us if we are right for you. Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from Long Beach and the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.
