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Health and Fitness
This gentle form of exercise can prevent or ease many ills of aging and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.
TaiJi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this originally Chinese mind-body practice, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. You can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health. Many people (including all of our instructors) are finding TaiJi an excellent health re-hab tool. In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, "Stork Spreads Wings." As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention on your bodily sensations. In an instant, an hour passes and you are physically tired, relaxed and mentally rested. TaiJi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are circular and un-forced, muscles are relaxed vs. tense, joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. TaiJi adapts easily to any player, from the most fit; to those practicing while seated.
Peter M. Wayne, M.D.
Professor, Harvard Medical School |