18 December 15  |  Fitness   |  

Golden Ocala Offers Tai Chi Classes

Life only moves in slow motion in romantic television commercials and action movies. And in tai chi fitness classes.

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club began offering tai chi classes at the Fitness Center.

Tai chi and qi gong are exercises based on slow-movement martial arts practices designed to reduce stress, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Tai chi can be practiced while walking, standing or sitting. If performed quickly, it can also be used as a form of self defense.

Researchers believe tai chi improves balance and stability and may reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis, symptoms of fibromyalgia and back pain, and enhance the mood of people with heart failure or cancer, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

As an ancient Chinese tradition, tai chi movements are slow and focused with an emphasis on deep and concentrated breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The graceful exercise, which incorporates gentle stretching, is noncompetitive and self-paced. Each movement and posture flows into the next so exercisers are constantly moving.

Visit Golden Ocala Fitness Center for Tai Chi Classes

The Mayo Clinic lists several immediate benefits of tai chi:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves mood
  • Increases aerobic capacity
  • Increases levels of energy and stamina
  • Improves flexibility and agility
  • Improves muscle strength and definition
  • Improves sleep
  • Helps lower blood pressure
  • Reduces joint pain
  • Reduces symptoms of congestive heart failure
  • Reduces risk of falls

Tai Chi Stems From Ancient Chinese Medical Practices

Dating back 2,500 years, tai chi originated in gi gong, a discipline arising from ancient Chinese medicine, according to MedicineNet.com. Tai chi historian Marvin Smalheiser reportedly said tai chi masters in demonstrations are able to incapacitate attackers without spectators or attackers aware of how it was done. According to historians, tai chi masters employ internal energy and very subtle movements.

The three most popular forms of tai chi are yang, wu and tai chi chih. With 24 movements, yang is the most difficult; the style demands maintaining a wide stance and bent knees. Wu with 24 – 36 movements is easier; it requires a narrower and a higher stance. Tai chi chih has 20 movements and is similar to wu but requires less weight transfer from leg to leg. The wu form may be easiest for beginners, according to MedicineNet.com.

Here are some reasons to try tai chi:

  • The low-impact movements put little stress on muscles and joints
  • The injury risk is low
  • Convenient: It can be done anywhere and anytime
  • Go at your own pace
  • It’s not competitive

We at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club know that the best way to keep you moving and in good shape is taking that first step. Visit us at the Fitness Center today to find the exercise program for you. Our trainers can sign you up for tai chi classes.

You’ll be using the finest in Italian exercise equipment with Technogym®, a revolutionary system backed by years of research and development, at our Fitness Center.

Stop by the Fitness Center today and get started on the new you!

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