Tai Chi Manchester

Tai Chi is a low impact form of exercise, which incorporates a series of circular relaxing movements. Tai Chi differs from other types of exercise, as the movements are usually circular and never forced. The muscles adopt a state of relaxation and are not tensed. As the joints are not fully extended and connective tissues are never over stretched. Tai Chi can easily be adapted for anyone, from advanced fitness levels to complete beginners. The exercise is also beneficial to people with disabilities, such as wheel-chair users.

Key Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi is used for many health benefits, such as back related problems, arthritis and stress relief. This graceful form of exercise helps to release the body's natural energy and offload built up stress and tension trapped in the body.

Other benefits include: relaxation and stress relief, improvement in core strength, strengthening of joints, improvement in flexibility and suppleness and improvement of balance an co-ordination.

Tai Chi Class Structure

Warm Up
The warm up consists of easy motions, including: shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth. This helps to loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breathing.

Instruction and Practice of Tai Chi Forms
Short forms (forms are sets of movements) consist of fewer movements and long forms may include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. A short form with smaller, slower movement is usually recommended at the beginning.

Tai Chi Breathing Techniques
This consists of a few minutes of gentle breathing, sometimes combined with movement. This helps to relax the mind and mobilize the body's energy. This can be performed in your most comfortable position; whether sitting, standing or lying down