By Mikal Aziz

“The best exercise is the one that you do,” says Mikal Aziz, an ardent practitioner of Tai Chi. 

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that originated in China. It’s practiced by millions of people around the globe and has found a growing community of practitioners in the United States. 

The Yang style is the most popular and it consists of slow continuous, soft, and circular movements in a flowing form. To practice Tai Chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing. All forms of Tai Chi include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing. 

In order to perform Tai Chi properly, the body moves as a unit. Timing of movement is very important  — all parts of the body start and end at the same time. During transitions and weight shifts the weight ideally is on one foot, keeping the body upright. This is commonly referred to as “separating the weight,” or substantial and insubstantial.  The slower and lower the movement, the greater the strength and endurance benefit.

“I was introduced to Tai Chi over 30 years ago and although I have not always been consistent over the years, I returned to a regular practice within the last decade,” shares Aziz. “I find that group classes create a lot of energy; however, there are excellent online classes and you can benefit from practicing alone at home.”

There are forms of Tai Chi for both the advanced practitioner, as well as the more casual participant. No matter what level you choose, there are great benefits. Learning the philosophy of Tai Chi and understanding the dynamic relationship between Yin and Yang is an enlightening journey.

On the physical level, you will experience improved balance and muscle toning. “I find that I can let go of my stress and tension when I practice Tai Chi,” says Aziz. “The best way to get people to try Tai Chi is to be an example and let the benefits of my practice manifest in my daily life.”