Research Finds Correlation Between Tai Chi And Health

(CARLSBAD, CA) - Millions of people worldwide practice martial arts, from mild forms such as tai chi to more vigorous styles like Tae Kwon Do. Practitioners often extol the benefits of the mind-body connection central to martial arts as well as the physical challenges they offer. Current research indicates that the practice of tai chi, in particular, provides several specific health benefits as well.

A style of slow, connected movements used to reduce tension and clear the mind, tai chi combines relaxation, meditation and deep breathing with structured flowing exercises called forms.  It can be practiced at different levels of intensity, making it a great activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Tai chi contains no jumping, aerobics, running or strenuous actions. The feet are always firmly rooted in the earth. The gentle movements of the arms and upper torso help strengthen the leg muscles, encourage proper alignment (good posture) and improve body awareness.

Better balance is one of the greatest benefits of tai chi for seniors. Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta found that tai chi improved balance and reduced falls in a group of adults aged 65 to 92. Chinese researchers found that older people who practiced tai chi had better stability and knee proprioception than their peers who did not engage in the activity.

Osteoarthritis sufferers also found tai chi improved their walking speed, bending ability and arm function according to a study conducted at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

A randomized, controlled study at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan evaluated the effects of tai chi on blood pressure, lipid profile and anxiety and found significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, and anxiety in participants who completed a 12-week program.

Individual studies cited in “Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter” found that tai chi also:

• protected the immune system
• improved flexibility
• improved physical and mental functioning in cancer patients

Interestingly, a three-month tai chi program is also credited with helping coeds at Georgia State University improve their perceptions of both physical and mental health, leading the researchers to recommend that colleges and universities offer tai chi classes as part of their physical activity programming.

Fortunately, you can find tai chi classes through many community park and recreation centers and local martial arts studios. And if you want to add some cardiovascular conditioning to your martial arts training, Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett suggests trying the following kickboxing exercise.

Stand with your feet hip width apart, and your knees and toes pointing forward.  Bend both knees slightly and bring your fists up in a “ready” position.  Lift your right leg and steady yourself, balancing briefly on your left leg.  Now kick your right leg out to the side, pressing out through your heel and straightening your knee with care.  Try to use your leg muscles to control the kick so you don’t “snap” the knee straight.  Bend the knee and bring the foot back in, placing it back on the floor next to the left.  Repeat the kick with the other leg.  Continue alternating right and left for 8 to 10 kicks on each leg.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com