Preparation | Warm-up Exercises | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Preparation for Tai Chi

Whenever you practice Tai Chi, keep these things in mind:

Relaxation: Relaxation is crucial in the practice of Tai Chi. Relax every part of your body, inside and out.

Breathing: Breathe smoothly and regularly, allowing the Tai Chi movements to regulate your breathing pattern. Pay attention to exhaling and do not hold your breath. Let your whole body be involved in the breathing process. Learn to feel your breath through all parts of the body.

Posture: Keep your torso upright but relaxed and look straight ahead. Don't lean to one side, bend forward or back, or look down. It is also important not to over extend your limbs or clench your hands into tight fists. Tai Chi is a natural art that requires no excessive force. Keep in mind that this exercise is slow and calm. You do not need to forcefully push, punch, or kick.

Pace: Move at the same slow-and-relaxed pace through every movement.

The initial stage of training is to build up your energy. You will achieve some benefits almost immediately. Your hands start to feel warm and you feel a sense of peace and relaxation when you practice. Try to practice every day, even just 10 minutes. Building energy requires consistency and effort. Stopping and starting will not allow the energy to circulate freely. Once the energy is flowing, you will feel an inner joy and vitality that gives everything we do a certain sparkle.

Developing Self-Discipline

Learn to develop self-discipline by doing something every day without excuse. We all tend to think that "somebody else is more gifted", "I am too young or too old", "I am tired today", etc. Once you make one excuse, you will find many more. Everyone has the ability to do T'ai Chi. In the end, development depends on your self-discipline and practice. If you are determined, believe in yourself, and practice regularly, you will reap the rewards.