Not content with feeling happy, I
want to feel myself feeling happy
- so as to be sure not to miss anything.
(Alan Watts)
Tai chi (health & self defence)
Tai chi is a martial art designed to use softness and gravity
rather than muscular tension.
It is an excellent alternative to conventional martial arts training because
there is far less risk of injury and your health will improve continually.
A skilled teacher should be able to manipulate students with softness, ease
and control - a gentle action producing a great effect.
Self defence skills require a lot of sensitivity work and attention, so
expect a very demanding learning curve.
Health and meditation are by-products resulting from the 'soft' way in which
the exercise is performed.
Risk:
Providing the training is sensible and considerate, there is little risk of
injury.
Note:
Not all tai chi classes teach self defence.
Pilates
Pilates was designed to stretch and move the body whilst using concentration
and awareness.
It encourages natural movement, strength and coordination.
The classes are more focussed and subtle than yoga.
One-to-one sessions are a fantastic way to develop core strength and
growing awareness.
Risk:
If the class is properly supervised, there is limited risk.
There may be some discomfort experienced after a session because your body
is changing or you may have gone too far.
Note:
Pilates can be tailored to treat sports injuries.
As a discipline, teaches you how the muscles, bones,
tendons and ligaments are connected.
It aims to encourage well-connected, healthy body usage and is an excellent
supplement to tai chi exercise.
Yoga
'Hatha' (the umbrella term for physical yoga) means
'willpower'.
Iyengar or Ashtanga are perhaps the most popular styles.
Yoga is a very effective system of stretching, balancing and
strength-building exercise.
Expect hard work; classes can vary in terms of difficulty but it is not
usually a
'soft' form of exercise.
Certain schools focus on allowing rather than forcing.
Risk:
Some classes are very large and can be inadequately supervised.
Teachers may force you into positions that exceed your 'comfort zone'
because they feel that you can make the stretch but are holding back.
Note:
Yoga offers a serious variety of stretches that are unlikely to be found in
other exercise methods - even pilates - and can offer an excellent workout
to supplement your tai chi.
Advice?
No advice or recommendation is being offered here.
The best thing is always to find out for yourself.
We are all different.
What suits somebody else may not be right for you.
Exercise is not without risk, so be aware of the dangers and listen to your
body.
Flaky teachers
Don't be afraid to ask a teacher for credentials and proof of insurance - these are not guarantees but at least offer some means of confirming that
they have been properly trained.
Classes should be safe and comfortable.
The teacher should be articulate and competent.
Books & videos
Reading
a book or watching a video may potentially lead you astray.
Books and videos are an excellent supplement to classes but you need
guidance from a skilled teacher.
Page created 3 March 2000