Tai chi is a traditional Chinese self-defense practice. It involves a series of graceful movements. Tai chi can potentially help both your physical and emotional well-being.
Studies have shown that tai chi can improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, stamina, and mental outlook. It has also been shown to reduce stress and help people having treatment for cancer. Like with other mind-body therapies, the benefits can increase with regular practice.
In this video series, Memorial Sloan Kettering’s mind-body therapist Robin Hardbattle guides you through the principles of tai chi and the exercises themselves. These videos are intended to help people who are new to the practice, as well as those who already have some experience.
There are four videos in this series:
- warm-up exercises to loosen up your muscles and joints
- an explanation of the individual movements so you’ll know the best way to stand and move
- a full tai chi sequence, based on the Yang style short form by Cheng Man-ching
- cool-down techniques to bring your heart rate back to its normal resting level