Tai Chi

Is Tai Chi the right fit for me?

Tai chi is an activity that can not only keep you fit and healthy but help you relax and de-stress too. The low impact nature of tai chi makes it ideal for beginners, especially if you’re not keen on more high intensity activities.

You may hear it referred to as called Tai Chi Chuan, but even if the name is slightly different, the activity is the same. Tai Chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. It’s been popular all over the world, since the 13th century so there must be something to it!

Is this suitable for me?

People of all ages and abilities can practice Tai Chi. It’s a particularly good activity for people who haven’t been active in a while, as it’s quite calming and gentle on the body. Lots of the movements used in Tai Chi can also be adapted for those who have disabilities or use wheelchairs. 

It’s a very accessible activity but if you have any health conditions or you’re worried about being active you can always talk to your GP before you begin starting. You may also need to take extra care if you’re pregnant, have a hernia, back pain or severe osteoporosis.

How will it benefit me?

Tai chi can offer a real lift to your health and wellness. A lot of the movements used are designed to make you feel calm, reduce stress and centre yourself. There’s also a lot of deep breathing, which is great for improving lung function. Tai chi can

  • Improve balance and general mobility
  • Increase muscle strength in the legs.
  • Is said to reduce the risk of falls
  • Help improve mobility in those with arthritis
  • Low impact exercise
  • Low pressure on bones and joints
  • Improve heart and lung function
  • Help you lose weight
  • Manage weight
  • Tone muscles
  • Increase stamina and energy
  • Reduced tension, anxiety and depression
  • Sleep better
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease,
  • Reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Reduce risk of stroke

How much will it cost me?

Videos and books are available and there is a lot of content online that you can try while at home for free.

Can I do this near me?

Tai Chi can be completed at home and is an ideal activity to try during this current period.

How do I start?

You can take a look at some online videos or books on the subject to get a feel for it.

So that’s Tai chi. If you’re interested in seeing other ways to start being active, take a deep breath and visit our activities page for some great ideas