Many students may wonder what tai chi is. Is it a form of karate or an interpretive dance? Is it a slow-paced exercise for the elderly? The answer is neither. Tai chi is a Chinese empty-hand martial art practiced for both the purposes of self-defense and health. Tai Chi can provide an individual with many health benefits.

“Tai chi is very good for your skeletal structure,” says Mark Holland, the assistant instructor of tai chi at the Basler Center for Physical Activity.

Since tai chi is an internally based martial art, it helps control the internal energy of the body. Other emphasized health and fitness benefits include aerobic conditioning, muscle strength, and flexibility.

Each session of tai chi begins with a series of stretches to prepare the body for smooth movements.

After these stretches are complete, the students begin to perform a cycle of individual fluidic movements.

Once everyone in the class gains a full understanding of each progression, they begin to combine these movements into one simultaneous action.

For these movements to be successful there are two key components to keep in mind.

One of these components is posture. Posture is important because an incorrect stance usually leads to locked joints, which in turn immobilize the body from making swift movements.

The other component to keep in mind while performing tai chi is the naturalness of breathing.

A common misconception of tai chi movements is that you have to follow a specific breathing pattern, when in fact natural breathing guides the body better in movement rather than compelled breathing patterns.

Tai chi is available for free to all individuals with ID access to the CPA. The class is offered in the CPA’s main purpose room on Mondays from 5-6 p.m.

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