Mobility

Birth
You started life with a natural condition of suppleness and flexibility. A baby does not have sore knees, a bad back or arthritis. The limbs can move comfortably within their natural range of motion. There is no stiffness in the muscles.

Aging
As people get older they lose the ability to move freely and easily. This reduces our quality of life. Tai chi was designed to off-set the stiffness commonly associated with aging. Our aim is to regain the degree of mobility we started life with.

Sitting
The main culprit for loss of mobility in most adults is sitting on their backsides too much.

Qigong
Qigong training involves strength building and increasing the range of joint movement. Students who train at home become stronger and more flexible in a short space of time. The key factor is to maintain the habit of daily practice.

Smarter exercise
Tai chi poise is healthy. The body is used naturally and comfortably. The mind is quiet. We listen to what the body is telling us rather than push and punish ourselves.

A gentle art
In tai chi we seek a condition of pliability. We use the least amount of muscular strength at all times. Only by being extremely gentle in our physical contact can we use our nervous system skilfully.

Fluid movement
Flow and change like water. Hardness in our bodies will impede smooth movement. A tai chi exponent seeks to have the supple, soft body they once had as a child. The joints are mobile and flexible, and the muscles move smoothly and easily.

Remobilise
In order to increase mobility the emphasis needs to be upon working the body both in class and at home between lessons. Adopt a multi-faceted approach:
• Strengthen your muscles
• Align your skeleton better
• Sit less
• Stand less
• Stretch more
• Improve balance
• Gain coordination
• Increase bodily awareness
• Be mindful of how you use your body