It may be the perfect fitness program: ideal for toning up and honing balance, flexibility and strength, as well as boosting confidence and serenity. Best of all, there's a martial art that's ideal for every woman -- including you.
The art: Tai chi
Often described as moving meditation, the ancient practice of tai chi, commonly thought of as Chinese, actually originated in northern India and later travelled overland to China. It's a martial art without the aggression. Used to increase chi (energy) and balance ying and yang (opposites in nature), tai chi is said to extend life, improve health and bring inner peace while encouraging flexibility.
"What attracted me to tai chi was the beauty of the movements," says Margaret Ann Galbraith, a tai chi instructor for 15 years in Sackville, N.B. "And I wanted to move with that kind of grace and control."
It's good for...
"Circulation, arthritis and any respiratory problem," says Galbraith, 56. "It's very good for concentration and memory, discipline and spirituality, too. Seniors in particular say they notice an improvement in their balance after the second class."
Highly focused, tai chi can raise the heart rate to a low aerobic level, or a 60 per cent increase over your resting heart rate. "It doesn't look like they're exercising, but there is a tremendous amount of effort. And it ties you into bigger forces like the circle of life," says Galbraith. "It's excellent for people who are under a lot of stress."
Blow by blow
White crane spreads its wings, golden cock stands on one leg -- whimsical names to be sure, but each of tai chi's slow turning, pivoting and balancing movements is a study in agility. Yang long style (one of several styles) takes 35 minutes to complete the routine, for example, but months to learn the 186 movements.
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