Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that can help improve balance and prevent falls in the home.

Tai Chi, a mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, is a non-competitive, slow paced, gentle physical activity that can burn as many or more calories than surfing and downhill skiing.

According to Harvard Health Publications, Tai Chi is increasingly recommended for seniors for its low-impact nature and its proven ability to improve balance and prevent falls. Research has shown that Tai Chi can significantly reduce the risk of falls among older people.

In Tai Chi you work to improve your balance by moving your body slowly, gently, and precisely, while breathing deeply.

The movements in Tai Chi are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched.

Tai Chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

As the body ages, function of sensory neurons in the inner ear and stretch receptors in the muscles and ligaments, becomes impaired, Tai Chi helps train one to better sense the position of one’s body in space, which can add confidence from the fear of falling.

One of the concepts of Tai Chi, for instance, called “rooting,” is a technique where you are to imagine roots growing out from underneath your feet and you become part of the ground, never losing balance, focus, or your centering. Practiced frequently, one’s general sense of balance becomes more stable. And as Tai Chi can boost upper and lower-body flexibility, it is also easier for people to recover from a stumble.

The Many Health Benefits of Tai Chi

In addition to balance, Tai Chi has been proven to improve a host of medical conditions including, but not limited to: muscular pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, improved bone and heart health, better sleep, reduced bone loss in menopausal women, improved lower body and leg strength, reduced blood pressure, and improved mind and body integration through mental imagery.

While there are many books and videos available by which to learn Tai Chi, it’s best to start out with an instructor or a class.

Broad Street can help. Our Personal Assistants can help introduce a Tai Chi routine into your daily schedule. Through our Professional Network we can help find the best class or instructor to fit your needs. For more information, please call 847.728.0134.