Photo: gigi.cinese.bianco / Flickr

You’re never too old for martial arts. Tai chi can reduce the risk of falls in the elderly as well as improve mental health. It’s long been argued by practitioners that tai chi reduces stress and helps with a variety of conditions including arthritis, heart disease, low bone density and high blood pressure. The western medical community is starting to catch on to what China has known since the 12^th century and a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine is encouraging the elderly to take up the martial art.

What is tai chi?

Nobody knows for sure what the origins of tai chi are. It’s thought the practice was founded by a Taoist monk who created tai chi moves based on the flexibility, fluidity and strength of the crane and snake.

There are a number of styles of tai chi. The style most commonly practised uses slow, continuous movements and shifts the weight fluidly from one half of the body to the other. The emphasis is on controlling your centre of gravity and controlled breathing through the diaphragm.

Is it really exercise?

Tai chi may be a slow-moving activity, but it has plenty of benefits. A tai chi class burns calories at the same rate as a brisk walk, but it’s very low impact. As it is weight-bearing it strengthens bones, but without the need for equipment – it uses the weight of your own body.

Does it work?

The Chinese say that tai chi works on the body’s ‘chi’ (energy), alleviating blockages that impede good health.

The western medical community’s view of tai chi doesn’t take this into consideration, but reliable studies have found that the martial art can help relieve pain and stiffness in arthritis sufferers and reduce blood pressure, as well as help balance and improve mental wellbeing.

Find a class here or get hold of a DVD and try it out at home.

Tags: exercise, keeping fit, Keeping Healthy, weight loss