Whether you’re a new or an advanced practitioner, you may be wondering how long and how often you should do tai chi.
Honestly — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
But there are a few factors that can help determine the right amount and length of your tai chi sessions. We show you those and how to best incorporate tai chi into your wellness routine.
• Why Are Tai Chi Routines Important? • How Often Should You Practice Tai Chi? • FAQ Regarding How Often to Practice Tai Chi • Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi: Offering Tai Chi Classes That Benefit Your Body & Mind
Like any other practice for your mind or body, repetition in your tai chi routine is key.
Building a routine can help you give yourself grace and ease through the transition of starting something new.
Don’t be fooled by the slow, meditative motions of tai chi; the physical and mental balance calls for deliberate focus.
• Flowing • Purposeful; and • Low impact
… movements, also called forms, require a level of strength and coordination, but they can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels.
• Mind • Body; and • Energy
… you may encounter several benefits to incorporating tai chi into your regular health and wellness routine.
At Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi, you will find a unique blend of holistic fitness offerings through both online and in-studio sessions, making it easier than ever to include tai chi into your routine.
Check out our memberships and pricing for both in-person and online tai chi classes.
The movements of tai chi are designed to energize and balance your body’s internal energy, or qi.
When your qi is balanced, your mind and body can function at their best in harmony.
• In traffic • At work; or • In other stressful situations.
There are countless studies on how Tai Chi may strengthen overall health.
• Fibromyalgia: A study comparing the effects of tai chi and aerobic exercise on people with fibromyalgia found that out of 226 adults, those who practiced tai chi experienced improved symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. • Brainpower: A study found that out of 31 older adults, those who practiced tai chi for 12 weeks had more activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking skills. That also resulted in better multi-tasking skills than those who didn’t practice tai chi. • Mood management:A study of 112 older adults who experience depression found that tai chi helped to improve symptoms of depression. The group who practiced tai chi not only had fewer symptoms but in some cases even experienced remission. • Increased stability: Studies have shown a link between practicing tai chi and improved balance and stability among seniors. The postures in tai chi can help to strengthen the … ⚬ Glute ⚬ Abdominal ⚬ Leg; and ⚬ Back
… muscles which are key muscles for balance. Some researchers believe that practicing tai chi regularly can help with core stability and spatial awareness significantly reducing the risk of falling by up to 50 percent.
Since practicing tai chi is working with your energy, how often you should practice can vary depending on the person and their experience level.
Our energy is constantly changing and adapting to our circumstances, so you may feel the need to clear your energy more or less than another person.
Barring any physical limitations, you can practice tai chi as often as you want.
The more often you practice, the quicker you’ll learn the postures.
It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health conditions or pain.
If you’re new to the energy work of tai chi, you may find that two short sessions a week is a good start.
The mental and physical focus can be intense, so give your body the time it needs to acclimate to the work you’re doing.
Listen to your body.
• Fatigue • Lethargic; or • Flu-like symptoms
… you may be experiencing Myunghyun, a sensation associated with the release of stagnant energies.
Allow yourself to rest until you feel rejuvenated again.
The symptoms should disappear, and your energy levels should increase again once your energy can flow freely. If you don't feel better within 24 hours, please consult your doctor before returning to class.
Are you ready for more?
Adjust your tai chi routine accordingly and as often as you feel necessary.
Beginner tai chi sessions can be as long as you feel comfortable.
If you are new to this kind of work, it may take some time for you to connect to your body and feel your energy.
Don’t be afraid to take breaks or end your tai chi session early if you feel it’s appropriate.
You might find that starting with 20 to 30 minutes each session is just enough for you to get into the flow of the postures.
You shouldn’t feel any sharp pain when practicing tai chi.
Since it is low impact, most people can safely practice for 20 minutes every day.
But let your comfort level be your guide.
What’s most important is the focus you put into your practice, regardless of the duration.
If you are more advanced in tai chi, you may find it easier to practice as often as you’d like.
Resetting your energy is just as important as fueling your body with food, so there is no limit to how often you can practice tai chi.
Some people even include practicing tai chi in their daily routine.
But remember, your body is the boss.
There is no set minimum or limit — only what feels right to you.
• Tap into your energy • Get into the work; and • Complete the forms
Some advanced tai chi practitioners can tap into their energy in the first five minutes and some may take longer.
• Your goals • Your warm-up; and • The style of tai chi
The best duration for an advanced tai chi session will be based on the amount of focus you can dedicate to the practice.
The best time of day to practice tai chi is when you feel your best and can commit to your body with concentration and dedication similar to meditation.
You may have seen groups practicing tai chi first thing in the morning.
Many people find it easier to quiet the mind and focus early in the day before the hustle and bustle of the day takes over.
But developing a tai chi routine is about repetition and consistency.
Feeling your best and most focused can help you harness your energy to achieve optimal results, regardless of the time of day you choose to practice tai chi.
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi is offered at nearly 100 studio locations with in-person and online classes. So, you’ll be sure to find sessions that fit your schedule — no matter what time of day you choose to practice tai chi.
You can practice tai chi as often as you like, including multiple times per day.
• Wake up • Gently get your body moving; and • Clear your energy for the day
… then don’t hesitate to jump in a morning session.
Is your energy calling for a tai chi cleansing at lunch?
Go for it.
Do the slow movements of tai chi sound like a nice way to warm down after a busy day?
It’s all up to you; just pay attention to how you feel.
• Mental focus • Breathing • Coordination; and • Relaxation
Everyday life is full of outside stressors bringing down your energy and physical well-being. Take the time out to clear your mind and energy any time you feel up to it.
• Mind • Body; and • Spirit
Are you beginning to feel more connected and centered?
You may have tapped into the right consistency for you.
Do you still feel out of touch?
You may need to practice more or just take more time to focus and find your balance during your sessions.
If you find yourself feeling uneasy or too tired, you might consider scaling down your practice to shorter sessions or less frequently.
Your body needs time to acclimate to the energy work you’re doing, especially if you’ve never practiced tai chi before.
Give yourself the space and grace to take stock of how you feel and adjust your tai chi routine accordingly.
The benefits of tai chi are best achieved when practiced consistently over time.
Tai chi is a form of martial art that some have spent their whole lives dedicated to practicing.
• Meditation • Self-defense; or • Self-development
… the work of tai chi is continuous.
If you’re looking for the best way to incorporate tai chi routines into your life, Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi offers the best holistic fitness through both online and in-studio classes.
• Tai Chi • Yoga • Meditation; and • Breathwork
… classes and workshops, Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi promotes a deep mind-body connection that activates your brain’s natural power.
Whether you prefer to visit one of nearly 100 locations where Body & Brain
Tai Chi is offered or practiced in the privacy of your living room, our classes are designed to help you develop mindful breathing and relaxed concentration.
• Healthier • Happier; and • More peaceful
… through our unique yoga and tai chi classes.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your mind-body goals.