210423 An introduction to Tai-Chi put into agility, balance, and coordination with osteoporosis
Tai Chi is an ancient art that uses a series of gentle continuous movements that place an emphasis on joint leverage based on coordination and relaxation instead of muscular tension. Practitioners of the art have discovered increased balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular benefits. The elderly have reduced their risk of falling after learning and applying Tai Chi training practices.
Healthy individuals also have reported reduced pain while using Tai Chi as an alternative exercise method along with lowered blood pressure readings, decreased pain from arthritis, and the effects of multiple sclerosis.
Progressively self-paced, Tai Chi is a noncompetitive gentle exercise that is performed in a very specific defined series of movements and postures. Each of these flows gracefully and slowly from one to another without a pause.
A major benefit to older people is the reduction in falls that accompany the art of Tai Chi due to the increased enhancement of their balance and coordination skills. Since these movements are low impact they place minimal stress on the joints and muscles which is ideal in some situations for those with advanced arthritis or osteoporosis.
Anecdotally the relationship of Tai Chi to reduced stress, increased flexibility, improved muscle strength and definition along with the development of greater energy, stamina and agility are well documented. These benefits all contribute to a greater sense of well-being. However, the art has not been scientifically studied until recently. The findings, thus far, are supportive of the anecdotal reports.
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