There is a great danger in pushing forward relentlessly.
If energy is used to excess, exhaustion follows.
This is not the way.
Whatever goes against the way ceases to live.
(Lam Kam Chuen)
Dynamic tension
Muscles turn energy into motion, enabling us to speak, move and perform tai
chi.
To move bones, one muscle releases (lengthens) and the other contracts
(shortens) - this is healthy
and normal.
The problem arises for people when they fail to release the
contracted muscle after it has moved the bone, or when they over-use one muscle
group at the expense of another; causing imbalance and weakness.
'Tensing-up' is the habitual over-contraction of a muscle, such that it impedes
joint movement.
Flaccidity is almost as bad; failing to support the bones properly.
Our approach to tai chi uses opposing muscle groups to balance and tone the
body.
The ideal measure of tone is that you employ only as much contraction or release
as is required to accomplish the required task.
This is usually far less than you think.
Side-effect
One side-effect of learning
our style of tai chi is that it will
change your muscles
considerably.
Some muscles will grow larger and others will transform through relaxation.
Tai chi should make your body substantially stronger.
Your arm muscles will not develop unduly unless you do a lot
of
stick work or full circle qigong
every day.
However, your legs, back, shoulders and mid-section will substantially
increase in size.
Casual
practice will not produce this.
Constructive rest
Oddly, the most
passive exercise of all will have
the biggest effect on your
body.
Most people have a very constricted chest and an over-developed upper-back.
When you lie down daily, your chest begins to open in the middle as it
learns to relax.
This is not muscle growth, but
relaxation.
Supple muscles are longer and healthier in tone.
As your chest opens-up you will breath better and feel more upright, your chest
will relax and your shoulders drop naturally.
The bunched tension at the top of your
spine will diminish.
Psoas exercises & connection
A healthy
psoas muscle will increase the
benefit of all other movement by providing a stable
base from which your body can
operate.
Taking the time to practice the simple exercises will amplify the effect of your
routine.
The psoas exercises will help your body to tie the extremities into the
centre.
When lifting your arms during form, it will feel as if the movement can be felt
right down to the hip joint.
This may feel mildly strenuous at first, and tones the front of the torso
from the abdomen to the chest.
Clearly, if you want a flat stomach, you need to address your
diet as well.
Most long-term tai chi students have considerable muscular development, but this
may be hidden beneath an ample stomach and body fat.
More...
Page created 25 October 2003