Tai Chi is a fantastic, low-impact form of exercise. Originally Chinese, it is now practiced all over the world. It involves the creation of youthful energy through movement, and it can benefit seniors in many ways.
This article will take you through the best resources for learning Tai Chi so that you can start your journey in the best way possible.
But first, check out some examples of the multitude of Tai Chi benefits, below:
- Helps arthritis symptoms
- Focuses on leg strength
- Reduces blood pressure
- Relieves stress
- Encourages deep breathing
- Helps with bone density in menopausal women
- Activates your mind through imagery
If you have low mobility, it’s a great option for practicing balance and movement in a gentle way. Research even shows that seniors who practice Tai Chi reduce their risk of falls by about 43%.
It can decrease the severity of conditions such as arthritis while encouraging you to practice mental dexterity and ability to focus and perceive.
Only requiring about 20 minutes a day, it’s the ideal exercise choice for seniors who want to feel centered and get their exercise sorted daily!
Balance & Strength Exercises for Seniors
This may be the DVD of choice for nature lovers! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Glacier National Park, this set of classes takes you through 9 different practices. The aim is to help you achieve better balance, strength and overall fitness. Here’s a few examples of what you’ll get in the 9 classes:
- Chair-seated practice to gently strengthen your entire body (17 min.)
- More challenging walking & stepping balances, without a chair (18 min.)
- Leg strength exercises (13 min.)
- Upper-body seated strength & mobility exercises (12 min.)
- Tai Chi easy full-body mobility practice (17 min.)
- Tai
Chi practice with 8 forms, similar to traditional tai chi, but modified to make
it easier to learn and to emphasize the balance improving aspects of tai chi (8
min.)
Encourage an active and independent life with these classes! Reports indicate that the classes are informative, safe and correctly set up, in terms of the specific Tai Chi moves they encourage. However, if you’re already a bit of a Tai Chi expert, it may be best to skip this one, as it’s also true that these exercises are for beginners. This could thus be too easy for some.
Tai Chi for Arthritis
This DVD and set of classes
Seniors who want something to help with managing their arthritis may find that this is the best DVD of choice.
Some have mentioned that it seems they could have included more content, considering the price. For a quick introduction to Tai Chi with arthritis in mind, however, it’s definitely a great choice.
Yang Tai Chi for Beginners
For a moving meditation class with a true master, this is the place to start. Seniors looking for a comprehensive guided outline, with step-by-step instructions will be impressed with this DVD. Each movement is shown from multiple angles, and you’re encouraged to simply follow along once you understand them.
Grandmaster Yang is also a trusted pair of hands, with great feedback from other senior people within the Tai Chi community:
“Dr. Yang’s ability is of the same high caliber as his written treatises.” – Master Jou, Tsung-Hwa
Be aware though, this is for seniors who truly want a comprehensive introduction to the martial art. It’s not a light or quick introduction for casual students.
Tai Chi Fit: Over 50
This specially formulated Tai Chi DVD is for over 50s. It’s the perfect DVD for seniors with mobility issues. You’ll be relaxed and breathing deeply in no time at all! There are sitting and standing versions of the exercises, so whatever your level of ability, you’ll definitely find something that is right for you.
Those with lower mobility have reported that it’s extremely beneficial, giving them the kind of gentle workout they need. However, if you are looking to get right to the core of the workout, it has also been reported that there is, unfortunately, a lot of advertising for the same company’s other workouts.
Tai Chi For Beginners
There are 8 easy to follow exercises included in this DVD. It gives customized lessons, ranging from 10-30 minutes.
The DVD includes:
- 8 customized lessons to learn the Yang style Tai Chi 24 form
- Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions
- Exclusive Interview with the instructor
- Modifications of poses for less-flexible people
- Routines from 10 – 30 minutes
- Over 3.5 hours of instruction
It’s the only one on this list which has been reported to be worth more than it’s general selling price! This is because of how much great content it contains. Some find the background noises slightly distracting, however, it should be mentioned.
Scott Cole Wellness Series
Scott Cole gently guides through this fitness class, and he’s been featured in over 500 publications worldwide. With these easy to follow and well explained classes, seniors are sure to get a great overview and practice of Tai Chi. With a focus on fitness, this may be great for seniors who want to generally understand more.
Some mention that it’s not the most clear to follow however, so it could be best for those who have some experience with Tai Chi already. We hope you have a safe and mindful practice!