Tai CHI

T’ai Chi, sometimes also spelled Tai Chi, consists of fluid, gentle and graceful circular movements, relaxed and slow in tempo.

Tai Chi practice focuses on deep, slow breathing. This aids in visual and mental concentration, relaxing the body and allowing energy to flow unimpeded throughout the body.

In the Chinese tradition, “Qi” is an energy or life-force inside each person.T’ai Chi includes physical movement as well as mindful practices. These techniques help to integrate the body and mind, and allow the achievement of total harmony of the inner and outer self. A person living in harmony, the tradition holds, is more likely to be happy, fulfilled, and healthy.

Arkansas Yoga Center offers T’ai Chi classes with Terry Condren. Terry is certified for T’ai Chi and for the innovative T’ai Chi for Arthritis program. Regular practice with Terry leads to some of Tai Chi’s most important benefits: stress reduction and flexibility.

T’ai Chi Ch’uan is the most famous Chinese martial art of the internal style. Internal styles place emphasis on breathing and on the mental and spiritual aspects of the art, in contrast to external styles such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do. This makes Tai Chi an excellent choice for beginners, for older adults, or for anyone who prefers a low-impact exercise option.