T’ai Chi Chih in the Fitness World

Have you ever been to the gym and seen the people reading a magazine while riding the recumbent bike or watching TV while on the Stairmaster? I have often asked myself “What are these people actually doing here?” Are they really paying attention to what is happening inside the body? Do they even care? Are they aware of their heart rate, what muscles are being worked, if they are doing enough exercise, or if they are doing too much?

My conclusion is that these people are actually numbing themselves from the exercise. They are being mindless–disconnecting from themselves just to get through the workout. Their bodies stay the same year after year because mentally they’re not even at the gym. They’re still home sitting on the couch.

T’ai Chi Chih is the exact opposite of these methods. T’ai Chi Chih is true “mindfulness” in motion and it is the easiest way I have found to really connect the mind and body. Not only are you fully aware and sensitive to what is happening while practicing T’ai Chi Chih, but you’re also centered, balanced, focused, and able to concentrate better without any effort at all. After practicing T’ai Chi Chih for a short period of time the benefits begin to translate into other areas of your life.

How does T’ai Chi Chih fit into a fitness program? Imagine doing a set of curls and actually feeling the weight through the entire range of motion. Imagine being on the treadmill and feeling exactly what is happening to your body. How much sweat is dripping down your back? Are you working up to your potential? Which muscles are actually being worked? T’ai Chi Chih puts you in tune with your body and sharpens your natural instincts, allowing you to sense when you are over training, haven’t eaten enough, need to work harder, or need to take a few days off from the gym.

The circulation of the Chi helps supply real energy to your body. This is different from drinking a cup of coffee or loading up on sugar to increase performance. This “internal power” is always ready on command, unlike a quick burst of energy from a drink or sports bar.

Adding the softness of T’ai Chi Chih to any fitness program will provide a balance. It compliments the “harder” aerobics and weightlifting exercises that are popular in most health clubs. As for my personal testimonial–my workouts are more efficient and my recovery time has been cut in half. That means more time to practice T’ai Chi Chih!