T'ai chi is a series of slow, flowing postures combined with breathing exercises, which aim to harmonise mind and body thereby improving the flow of ‘chi’, or energy, through the body. It is a martial art, but the type of t'ai chi class usually found across the UK is for exercise purposes, with wide-ranging benefits.

T'ai chi originated in China and is thought to date back as far as 400BC. The style many of us will have seen on TV or in films – where a group of people might be performing a series of graceful movements at dawn in a park shrouded with mist – is known as the Hand Form.

The Hand Form involves moving through a sequence of postures or poses smoothly and gently, which can help increase flexibility and suppleness and which exercises the muscles. Focusing on these movements helps keep the mind calm, thus aiding relaxation.

Parks and mist are optional, but even after practising t'ai chi for a short period of time you should begin to notice the beneficial effects on your health and fitness. It tones and strengthens your muscles and improves your balance and posture, and some people even claim that it has helped them to lose weight, which you might not expect from such a ‘slow’ workout. According to the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, some people think t'ai chi is an easy option, but it is a martial art, and requires commitment and dedication. “Like anything else in life, the more you put in, the more you get out,” says the Union.

Unlike many forms of exercise, t'ai chi is not restricted to the young and agile. It is ideal for both sexes and all ages, regardless of strength, and does not require force or speed. When you first attend a class the movements will probably feel strange, but if you give it time and go at your own pace, they will soon become familiar. There is no rolling around on the floor or bending over backwards as in yoga; in t'ai chi postures the body remains upright whether squatting or at full height. Regular t'ai chi practice is so beneficial to the mind and body that it has been proven to improve some medical conditions such as hypertension and respiratory and digestive disorders.

In contrast to other martial arts, special clothing is not required for t'ai chi, any loose fitting, comfortable clothing can be worn (tracksuit bottoms are ideal) with a light shoe like a dance shoe or an old-fashioned plimsoll. Try not to eat anything for two hours before the class. If you discover that t'ai chi is something you want to spend more time on, you might want to consider practising for a short time each day. By practising in the morning you will feel energised and ready to face the challenges of the day ahead, or you may find that your muscles are less tense in the evening and doing some t'ai chi will help clear your mind of all the stresses and strains of modern life, and wind down for bed.

To learn more about t'ai chi and to take the first step towards spring-cleaning your chi (even though it's summer already!), browse one of the following websites. You can find a class in your area and drag your colleagues along too, and then you will be able to discover the ‘white crane spreads its wings’ and ‘needle at the bottom of the sea’ poses together.

www.taichiunion.com

www.easytaichi.co.uk

www.taichifinder.co.uk