Tai Chi is a centuries-old Chinese practice entrenched in
Chinese meditation, medicine, and martial arts, designed to exercise the mind
and body using gentle, fluid postures that create an orchestrated dance, that
benefit both the mind and body. Here are 5 reasons you should practice Tai Chi.
1. Increases strength, flexibility, balance,
and coordination. Research suggests that tai chi participants are twice as
likely to have no trouble performing moderate to rigorous activities as
nonparticipants.
2. Improves heart
function and decrease blood pressure. Researchers at Harvard Medical School
and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center revealed in the journal Archives
of Internal Medicine that patients with chronic heart failure experienced a
better quality of life and mood if they regularly practice Tai Chi.
3. Heightens Sleep. Researchers have found that tai chi
participants had improved sleep quality and duration. The benefits are similar
to those gained through medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.
4. Fights stress, anxiety, and depression.
Tai Chi is all about relaxation. The gentle,
slow postures
practice, you’ll instinctively use the practice to release tension.
5. Gives
you enjoyments so you’re more likely
to stick with. One of the best
reasons to practice Tai Chi is that it’s enjoyable, which means you are more
likely to continue to practice long enough to see results.
Tai Chi is a low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic, but
relaxing exercise that benefits participants of all ages. Movement Works offers Tai Chi classes as well
as other martial arts related classes. Check out the schedule at Movement Works.
Did you know… That extreme
heat is responsible for an average of 658 deaths in the U.S. ever year – that’s
more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and lightening deaths combined,
according to the National Center for Environmental Health. Little League, beach volley ball, kid’s day
camp, runners, joggers, and even dog walkers, no matter the activity, everyone
is susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion,
dehydration, and the most serious, heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure
and death if not treated immediately.
Career athletes have the luxury of a personal trainer and medical staff
to help them monitor their performance and their health, but anyone, young or
old, who plays a sport for school, company function, or just for fun, should
know the warning signs of heat-related health illnesses. Be mindful of these signs and protect
yourself while at play or work.
Early Warning Signs of Heat Exposure
• Headache, dizziness,
faintness
• Irritability, anger,
mood change
• Fatigue
• Heavy sweating
• Heat rash, prickly
heat
• Muscle cramps
• Changing to
breathing and pulse rate
• Dehydration
As Heat Stress Worsens
• Trouble catching
breath
• Strong rapid pulse
changes to weak rapid pulse
• Severe headache
• Sever muscle cramps
• Disorientation
• Skin feels hot and
dry
• Severe dehydration
• Cessation of
sweating
• Exhaustion
• Coma or possible
death
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