Fitness Book

As you will discover, both Yoga and Tai Chi are excellent forms of exercise that also uses mediation as one of its elements.  We wanted to provide you with information that defines these two options, showing how they benefit people of all ages.  Although Yoga and/or Tai Chi have been existence for a long time, just in recent years, they have become popular choices for people seeking a natural approach to weight loss, health, and fitness.

Yoga

Yoga comes in a variety of styles with Hatha being one of the more popular.  This form of Yoga began in India but is now a great consideration in any country.  With this, you would hold your body in a number of positions or postures, which is great for stretching ligaments.  As the ligaments are stretched, the body gains better flexibility and better wellness.  Interestingly, in the Eastern part of India, this type of Yoga is actually viewed more as an exercise whereas in the West, it is seen as a means of stretching and flexibility.

As mentioned, meditation is an important aspect of Yoga, being a spiritual bonding of mind and body, thus creating a perfect union with God.  You will also discover that with Yoga, breathing is another aspect, which is believed to bring the person into greater harmony with the universe.  The word yoga translates to “union” while Hatha is “sun and moon”, or the universe.  Therefore, to experience the ultimate oneness, unity is produced.

While people who practice Yoga benefit tremendous from a physical standpoint, it also supports energy of the body.  Within the energy body are seven specific power points, which are referred to as “chakras”.  The primary focus of Yoga has to do with body and mind enlightenment.  As a result, people feel energized while also being relaxed.

Tai Chi

Although in many Asian countries this is known as Tai Chi Chuan, in the Western worlds, we call it Tai Chi for short.  This Chinese form of martial arts embodies the paradoxical principles of Taoism, which is known as being the strength of softness.  In other words, Tai Chi uses the power found in relaxation to overcome an opponent, but power or force.  However, we also find that this is a great option associated with spiritual and health benefits.  Therefore, Tai Chi can be both a type of self-defense along with a form of wellness.

Originally, Tai Chi was created by monks as a means of meditation and fighting or defense.  The moves involved are slow and done in a relaxed, précised way.  Every position of Tai Chi is carefully done with little effort.  When the body is relaxed, the mind follows.  This means the muscles get needed exercise while the mind is energized.

If you are interested in Yoga and Tai Chi, you will find a number of community centers, colleges, and wellness centers that provide classes.  With this, you can choose according to the results you want, as well as your experience level.  Because the opportunities are so diverse, you could start with something simple and then move on to an advanced class.  The following are just a few examples:

• Gentle Yoga – With this class, you would learn various relaxation techniques to de-stress your life, slow the heart rate, breathe deeper, and reduce muscle tension.  Using flowing movements of Vinyasa, you will learn how to coordinate breath with movement.
• Relaxation Yoga – This too is an excellent class option for learning how to relax, which includes physical, mental, and spiritual.  You will learn how to recognize stress and tension, knowing how to bring the conscious mind under control.
• Power Yoga – The purpose of power Yoga is to help tighten and tone the entire body, which improves flexibility while building core strength.
• Tai chi Chuan – The slow and graceful movements taught in this class will relax the body to include abdomen, back, and limbs.
• Chen Tai Chi – Finally, this class teaches a combination of fast and slow movements that benefit mind and body.

Although you could choose to get involved with one or the other, using both Yoga and Tai Chi will help you see results even quicker.  Although they work on many of the same areas of the body, these two forms of exercise also have unique benefits so take advantage of them.  Just make sure you work with a qualified instructor, someone who is trained and educated in the art so you do it right.  This way you will see the results of your work quicker and avoid injury of any type.