| Tai Chi, developed around 2000 years ago in China, | | | | Considered to be a great form of exercise, Tai Chi |
| has become one of the most popular exercises utilized | | | | requires no equipment, no time table, is very easy to |
| today. It's a combination of both meditation and a | | | | do, has no side effects, and provides older adults the |
| series of slow and deliberate movements. You may | | | | opportunity to meet others who love the exercise as |
| have seen Tai Chi performed by older people in your | | | | well. Once you learn Tai Chi and the proper way to |
| local park, on TV, or perhaps by someone who | | | | move, there is virtually no chance of injury. Whether |
| attends Tai Chi classes. | | | | you perform Tai Chi in your home by following |
| The benefits of Tai Chi have been well known and | | | | exercises on DVDs, or whether you go to your local |
| documented. It not only relieves stress, but enhances | | | | park and exercise Tai Chi there, once you begin this |
| one's balance and flexibility as well. In addition, the | | | | art form of exercise you will most likely continue for |
| moves implemented in Tai Chi are one of the best | | | | the rest of your life. Further, you will begin to develop |
| exercise programs in alleviating health problems in older | | | | your own moves and may likely advance to the |
| adults. While anyone can master the art of Tai Chi, you | | | | newest form of exercise and meditation known as Qi |
| will find mostly older adults engaging in this beautiful and | | | | Gong. Based on the same principle of slow |
| graceful exercise. Considered to be low impact, there | | | | movements, Qi Gong, while new to this country, has |
| are no major strains put on the body or joints and is | | | | been around as long as Tai Chi and will most likely |
| particularly effective for those who suffer from any | | | | become as popular in the future. |
| form of arthritis. | | | | Meditation has long been studied and affirmed to be |
| Recent studies have shown that Tai Chi, when utilized | | | | one of the best forms of relaxation as well as a great |
| by older adults, offers calm and balance, dissipates | | | | stress reducer. Adding this with exercise and you |
| anxiety and depression, helps older adults to sleep | | | | have an unbeatable combination. More importantly, not |
| better, reduces bone loss in menopausal women, | | | | only will you develop a new exercise routine, but you |
| decreases blood pressure, helps in alleviating pain, and | | | | will begin to feel good about it, your health, and your |
| prepares ones to perform their usual tasks on a daily | | | | overall well-being. |
| basis. | | | | |