In this Article

• Introduction to tai chi
• What is tai chi, and where does it come from?
• What are the benefits of tai chi?
• How much tai chi should I do?
• How do I get started with tai chi?
• What clothing should I wear for tai chi?
• What precautions should I take before practicing tai chi?
• What resources are available to people interested in tai chi?
• Tai Chi Index

What clothing should I wear for tai chi?

Comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that won't restrict your movements are best. Sweatpants, tights, or leotards, and a T-shirt will do. Although it doesn't look like lots of work because the movements are so slow, you may work up a sweat, and so I don't recommend overdressing.

What precautions should I take before practicing tai chi?

Tai chi is gentle enough for almost everyone. However, if you have arthritis that affects your joints (the Arthritis Foundation recommends tai chi), orthopedic conditions that limit your mobility (back pain, sprains, fractures, and severe osteoporosis), if you're pregnant, if you have a hernia, or if you have any other medical condition that might be affected by exercise, then it's a good idea to speak with your doctor before you try tai chi. If you're concerned about the class that you're considering, then watch the class or speak with the instructor before you start. You want to feel comfortable with the activity, so speak up!

What have you got to lose?

That's tai chi. Practicing it regularly can improve your aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance; and it can improve your well-being and decrease your stress. It's a martial art that has been practiced for centuries by millions of Chinese. Could all of them be wrong? My suggestion is to give it a try. You've got a lifetime of fitness ahead of you, and so adding something new and different to your fitness skills that has this much potential is probably worth a try. It's worth the effort!