Tai Chi is a low impact approach to exercise, originating from Chinese martial arts and characterised by slow, expansive movements. We now offer Tai Chi as part of our weekly class schedule at Ponsonby Physio, so you can try it for yourself.
The Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi helps to relieve pain, decrease stress and blood pressure, improve muscle strength, flexibility, stability and balance. Tai Chi has also been found to be incredibly beneficial in improving ease with daily activities such as sit to stand, stairs, walking, speed, confidence and a reduction of falls and fear of falls, in older adults.
Poor strength and balance increases the risk of falls, which can have a dramatic impact on older adults and especially on their ease with daily activities and independence. The regular practice of Tai Chi can have real benefits here, which is so good because the current statistics on falls are disheartening. Unfortunately, at the moment some 30-40% of the population over the age of 65 fall every year. By the age of 80, this statistic reaches 50%, and continues to increase yearly. Adults aged over 65 also have an increased risk of hospitalisation following a fall compared to their younger counterparts.
Falls in older adults are highly associated with a dramatic reduction in independence, mobility, and function. The fear of falling is also a very real concern. It can ultimately increase the risk of falling as these individuals are less likely to maintain activity levels, will often experience a decrease in muscle strength and stability, and demonstrate a decreased level of overall independence.
Our lower limb strength is vital to our function, mobility, and stability. Research shows lower limb strength resistance training and balance enhancing exercise, reduces falls in individuals over 65 years and enhances confidence and quality of life.
Tai Chi is a low impact approach to exercise that research has consistently found to increase lower limb strength, improve balance, flexibility, postural control, proprioception (knowing where your body, ie your foot, is in space), and also to reduce the fear and risk of falls. It is a great option for anyone with reduced balance or stability, arthritis, stiffness, or those who just want to remain active and enjoy a calming and stress reducing activity.
Tai Chi Class
If you would like to try Tai Chi we invite you to get in contact and sign up for our new weekly class. You can view the full Classes Schedule here, or call us at the clinic to learn more.
