When I awake,
like a scholar at his first class,
I prepare a blank mind for the day to write upon.
(The Silent Flute)
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.
For example, tai chi is not typically cardiovascular.
If you can spare the time, it may be useful to complement your tai chi with
something else.
If you train more than one type of exercise, you may have a more balanced workout.
Cardiovascular
Tai chi chuan (kung fu) students build-up to vigorous partner work.
This is cardiovascular.
However, most tai chi training is not.
Tai chi is primarily vascular, not cardiovascular.
It helps blood circulation but does not unduly work the heart.
For a balanced workout, consider walking, jogging, swimming or cycling
regularly.
Cardiovascular exercise is essential.
Alternative exercise
Alternative therapies such as yoga, pilates and
alexander technique can be an excellent supplement to your tai chi training.
Just be sure to compartmentalise what you do.
If you find yourself practicing tai chi as if it were
yoga,
you have gone astray.
Another martial art?
Tai chi uses the body in a unique way.
Training a second
martial art alongside your tai chi is not
necessarily a good idea.
The subtlety of tai chi requires considerable sensitivity and awareness.
Most martial arts do not promote these qualities, and will blunt (rather than
enhance) your tai chi skills.
Page created 4 March 2000