We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Tai Chi Basics?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,445
Share

Tai chi chaun, or tai chi, is a type of meditative exercise meant to reduce stress and focus the mind while improving strength and flexibility. There are many books, videos and classes that cover how to perform tai chi moves. Learning or reviewing tai chi basics can help a novice or even an experienced practitioner retain focus when practicing this form of exercise.

One of the most important tai chi basics involves the breath. Like many meditative forms of movement, breathing in tai chi is a source of focus and relaxation, as opposed to simply a way to move air in and out of the lungs. Breathing is typically slow and done in conjunction with movements. When breathing, air should be sucked in deep into the bottom of the torso, to a spot just below the navel. Some experts recommend focusing on the breath for a minute or two before beginning other movements.

Tai chi basics also include the concept of the body as one unit. If both arms and one leg need to move to perform an exercise, all of these body parts should move at once. The upper and lower body should not be separate in movements, and practitioners are often told to move as smoothly as possible. Movements should be done in a gliding motion, never jerky or overly fast.

Other important tai chi basics include the alignment of the body. Generally, the body should be held relaxed and upright. Care should be taken to make sure that the spine is straight and the tailbone tucked under rather than sticking out behind. Proper alignment is important to anyone learning tai chi basics, as it ensures that movements will be performed correctly. Although standing with the spine totally straight may feel uncomfortable at first, this will most likely feel more natural with additional practice.

Possibly the most vital tai chi basics involve the mind, rather than the body. In tai chi, the mind leads all movement and all steps. Each movement is made deliberately, but without physical force. Mastery of the moves of tai chi is often easier for many people than a true understanding of the mental exercise involved. Remember, meditation is like any other form of exercise: endurance comes only through repeated practice sessions.

Tai chi is a wonderful low -mpact exercise for those looking to reduce stress or unable to take part in higher impact exercise regimes. Many community centers and senior centers offer classes in tai chi basics as well as courses for more advanced practitioners. In some areas, tai chi groups meet in beautiful outdoor locations, such as parks, sea cliffs, or overlooking beautiful views to help inspire practitioners.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-tai-chi-basics.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.