Tai Chi Precautions

As with any physical activity, there are certain precautions that should be observed before, during, and after every Tai Chi session. These precaution are listed below:

Precaution #1

Beginners should never attempt to learn Tai Chi soley through instruction manuals or videos. A book can tell you what to do and what are the basic principles behind every move but it can not actually demonstrate the right or wrong positions. At the same time, trying to imitate what is shown on Tai Chi DVDs can be very diificult. You may have to keep pushing the stop-rewind-play-stop-rewind-play-fast forward buttons to stay up with the instructions. In addition, of course, neither a manual or a DVD can give you feedback on your performance. Use manuals and DVD's to expand your practice of Tai Chi after you have learned the basic forms correctly.

Precaution #2
Carefully choose your Tai Chi teacher. You have to make sure that he or she is experienced enough to meet your needs and answer your questions regarding Tai Chi. This is very important especially for people who have arthritis or heart problems, as there are movements that may contribute more to the pain that may experienced. In cases of joint pains and flares, always consult your doctor about it. Ask your physician which movements are appropriate given your physical condition. Also, tell your instructor about your condition. You instructor may know which movements are not appropriate for your condition.

Precaution #3
You should always warm up before and then cool down and take a quick rest after. You may not think Tai Chi as a vigorous and strenuous kind of exercise but it will work the muscles and joints more than you might imagine.

Precaution #4
If there is a need to modify particular movements, then do so for as long as it is necessary. Do not think that you have to do every movement in a particular program of movements.

Precaution #5
If you can’t do it, don’t push it. Exerting yourself just to let everyone see is like stressing yourself in the most painful manner. Tai chi is a process in which it is meditative and not stressful so don’t push yourself to movements that aren’t possible for you to perform. Tai Chi is a perfect exercise for meditative purposes. Don’t confuse it with other vigorous exercises that promise weight loss or weight gain, nice abs, etc.