For the last 12 years I have been  drawn into the particular physical benefits of T’ai Chi being able, after six weeks to bend my knees without pain, stand upright without my shoulders hurting and generally moving more freely than I have for many years.

The Introduction

My first introduction to this form of martial art came just as my body was falling apart after years of contact sports and the training required for those sports.I had no right knee to speak of; a right ankle which no longer swelled up after turning over so many times  and a right collar bone sticking up from the  shoulder  joint. Oh and a broken nose.

The History and Benefits

The Lee Style is recorded as being some 3000 years old and was introduced into my area by Master Chee Soo.
Known as the “Square Yard T’ai Chi” because all the moves can be practised in a square yard of floor space means this form of exercise can be practised daily wherever you are.
The repetition of movements helps to strengthen the muscles around joints, improves posture, balance and body control.
There are deeper aspects to T’ai Chi but I have dedicated myself to the physical side of the form with the aim of improving stances,posture and co-ordination of hands, arms,legs and feet.
The flow of the movements often hide the strength and flexibility required to acheive improved movement. It also hides the mental capacity of concentration and focus needed to utilize speed and power.
The Breathing patterns allow the body’s ability to create healthy blood flow and circulation along with improved relaxation which can never be overstated. The overall physical and mental effects of the improved breathing patterns are well documented but personally my experience has been that time, actual physical time has passed so quickly that students with chronic and acute joint and muscular pain have ,in fact, been able to tolerate sixty minutes of exercise. This is despite the fact that they had come to me before the class began and warned me that they may leave the session early if the pain gets too bad. In my twelve years of practice only two people have ever had to leave because they felt unable to carry on.

If you want to know more about this powerful form of exercise visit www.balancehealth-fitness.co.uk to find out just what a balanced exercise programme consists of.