| Once in a while, I get really bored with my | | | | |
| workouts. You know, after a while it gets to | | | | Tai Chi is based on using the whole body, |
| be the same old, same old stuff. It is | | | | even the inner strength of the mind and |
| always weights or cardio machines or the same | | | | breath, all together as one unit. Think of |
| stuff over and over again. I have worked out | | | | it as standing yoga or a combination of that |
| for years and sometimes it is nice to have | | | | and ballet. Maybe it seems silly for a tough |
| something different to sink your teeth into | | | | guy like me to say I do something similar to |
| when you go to the gym. Or it is also nice | | | | ballet, but I tell you, it is not only |
| to have something fun and invigorating to do | | | | relaxing but challenging as well. Some |
| at home. Something that gets you started off | | | | people call it moving meditation. Because |
| on the right foot in the morning. | | | | that is what you are doing. You are moving |
| | | | your hands and arms and legs together, but |
| I recently found something that fits that | | | | you are relaxing your mind at the same time |
| criteria and it is called Tai Chi. You may | | | | to allow deep meditation. |
| have heard of it. It has been around for | | | | |
| centuries. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art | | | | Tai Chi patterns are easy to learn and hard |
| but different from regular sparring types of | | | | to master. They are very flowing and smooth |
| kung fu. Some people may call it a soft | | | | and develop the internal flow or Chi or your |
| style of martial arts and I think they have a | | | | body and soul. It was tough for me at first, |
| point because you can't really whack a guy | | | | doing all those weird poses and repetitive |
| with Tai Chi. But that doesn't matter | | | | moves, but it got easier and much more fun |
| because the point of this exercise is to help | | | | once I got the hang of it. I knew I had to |
| a person relax and to inner reflect, if you | | | | be bad before I good be good. |
| will. How to do Tai Chi correctly and | | | | |
| effectively is a simple matter of finding the | | | | There are a wide range of videos out there to |
| right instructor. | | | | help you get started and I tried quite a few |
| | | | before I got hooked on one instructor that |
| You see, Tai Chi is all about finding the | | | | really blew me away. You have to find |
| right balance within yourself, your "Chi" or | | | | someone that knows what they are doing and |
| spiritual center. Most people do not do Tai | | | | can really relate to you what Tai Chi is all |
| Chi for any martial arts benefit. I know I | | | | about. |
| did not start it for that reason. I did it | | | | |
| to have another form of exercise in place of | | | | Here is what really struck me...it's |
| regular boring stuff I was sick of. The | | | | something I can do for my health for the rest |
| thing is, I discovered that it really does | | | | of my life. |
| help you find peace and improve your balance. | | | | |