Qigong and Tai Chi: Benefits to Balance
When it comes to getting older, one of the worries of ageing is the rate in which we lose our balance. Statistics show that about a third of over 60s will have a fall, and that those over 80 are likely to have at least one fall a year.
If you are looking for a way to improve your balance, and reduce the likelihood of experiencing falls, our Qigong and Tai Chi classes in London might be the perfect solution.
Both practices have a range of physical benefits, one of which is the contribution to the improvement of your balance. The gentle, flowing movements of both Tai Chi and Qigong involves low intensity muscle training, which in time will help reduce the deterioration of your sense of balance.
Here are a few ways in which our classes may be beneficial, and a great exercise to take part in for the over 60s.
Prevent Falling Over
Both Qigong and Tai Chi involves slow movements and transitions into the different positions, which includes the regular shift of bodyweight from one foot to the other.
These gentle movements, when taught professionally at our Qigong and Tai Chi classes in London, is a low intensity way to challenge your body, using your muscles to switch positions in slow flowing movements.
This will increase the level of control you have over your body, and will lead to the reduced likelihood of experiencing a fall. This risk of falling naturally rises as we get older, but participating in Tai Chi classes may see this risk reduce, when assisted by a professional instructor, such as our team at Taiji.
Becoming Aware of How Your Body Moves
Part of the work we do in Tai Chi and in Qigong is about becoming aware of your posture and your coordination. We spend time looking at how to balance, which often means being conscious of how your hips work, how relaxed you are, and how well you breathe.
We also work on helping your spine to become more flexible which greatly helps to improve your balance. This is a very gradual process, but is something that will not only improve the balance, but will also have a positive effect on your posture and breathing.
Build Back Your Muscle
Transitioning between different positions during your Qigong and Tai Chi classes will see you using muscles that you would not usually use as you go about your daily life, especially if you are not as active as you used to be.
Regular Tai Chi classes will help rebuild these muscles that have weakened over the years, which may contribute to you being able to keep your balance a little easier as you get older.
We recommend attending our Tai Chi or Qigong classes twice a week, in order to help improve you balance, and experience some of the other benefits associated with the exercises.
Our Qigong Classes in London
If you are on the hunt for a practice that is proven to improve your balance, our Tai Chi and Qigong classes in London and Kent could be for you.
Here at Taiji, we teach various forms of Qigong and Tai Chi, which have a multitude of benefits, including improving energy levels and posture, as well as your balance.
To find out more, or if you’d like to book a Qigong class in either London, Kent or online via Zoom, check out our classes and prices, call 07836-710281 or contact us online today.