Only careful, sensitive and skilful effort can achieve enduring results.
(I Ching)
The perfect exercise
Tai chi is often pitched as being the
perfect
exercise.
No matter what the publicity tells you, no exercise system is perfect.
If you can spare the time, it may be useful to complement your tai chi with another 'body work' system such as
pilates.
If you train more than one type of exercise, you may have a more balanced workout.
Imperfect
Every system has pros and cons:
Yoga will tone your body but will it help you to deal with a punch?
Does pilates offer a philosophical/holistic approach to living?
Be open-minded and take each system
for what it is, rather than what you may want it to be.
Alternative therapies
There are a number of alternative therapies available.
We are going to look at alexander technique, pilates, tai chi and yoga.
Tai chi will be examined as both a health-only exercise and health & self
defence.
Physical strain: 1 is the least, 5 the most:
Alexander technique
Tai chi (health-only)
Tai chi (health & self defence)
Pilates
Yoga
With each therapy, it is unrealistic to expect a wonder cure for every
ailment.
Results will vary according to the individual and what you do between
classes.
Each therapy is a unique system in its own right; they
may share some common goals but use a different approach to one another.
Combining methodologies can be a questionable endeavour.
For example: you should not perform tai chi as if it were moving yoga.
Tai chi is a martial art, yoga is not - so the purpose of the exercise is
quite different.
Train them separately.
Alexander technique
This is an awareness therapy rather than a form of exercise.
As a consequence, it is suited to anyone.
There is limited strain on the body since the therapist will often move your
limbs for you.
Risk:
If you have suffered an injury, your body will have compensated.
Alexander technique will seek to remove the compensation mechanism and
encourage the body to find true balance again.
The release of tension can cause pain and stiffness the following day.
Note:
Alexander technique is not a form of exercise so you will
not grow stronger from doing this kind of therapy.
What you should feel is a deep sense of relaxation, improved alignment and
balance.
Tai chi (health-only)
Most tai chi
classes are health-only. They offer a gentle means of improving mobility and building strength.
Many classes are more 'keep-fit' than
tai chi.
Risk:
Beware of strenuous stances. Only do what feels comfortable. Treat
discomfort as a warning.
Large classes may potentially be poorly supervised.
Note:
Tai chi should be fairly easy to perform but requires a great
deal patience - don't expect overnight benefits.
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Page created 3 March 2000