Introduction to Aqua Tai Chi
If you’re struggling to find the right exercise program and are looking for something other than the grueling options offered by your local power lifting gym, you should take a moment to learn about Aqua Tai Chi. Aqua Tai Chi, also known as Ai Chi, is a body strengthening and relaxation program that takes place in the water – specifically in water up to your shoulders. The water is warm, about 94 degrees Fahrenheit, in order to aid in the body’s circulation and relaxation of muscles. This uses mental, physical, and spiritual energy to create balance that begins in the pool at your fitness center, and extends to help you balance other aspects of your busy life. Once you discover the balance, it helps you achieve, you’ll quickly realize that it has countless benefits.
This is not a traditional workout. Instead of fast-paced, painful exercises, you are encouraged to relax and work with – rather than against – your body. Designed to help your body recuperate from the day-to-day stress and anxiety you may have, Aqua Tai Chi uses proven Chinese principles to help you achieve harmony and power.
One of the key physical aspects of this exercise is repetition. Learning the movements and positions is only the beginning. As you practice and improve your fluidity, the repetition of the movements promotes deep relaxation. The more times you repeat something, the easier it is going to be to do, and the less you have to think about the movement, freeing your mind to focus on your calm and graceful experiencing of the present. Throughout the entire program, you will be asked to move slowly and gently, focusing on moving with the water. You will be asked to eliminate all other thoughts and focus on now. The combination of slow, measured, repeated movement and mental focus yields relaxation and fitness benefits as well.
It’s important to find a good, experienced instructor for your Aqua Tai Chi practice, as it’s not just a fad. Look for fitness instructors at your local community college, fitness center, or gym, and concentrate on those instructors with Tai Chi experience. Personal trainers can refer you to Tai Chi instructors, and sports clubs may even maintain lists of teachers. You can sign up for group or individual classes, and you’ll realize many benefits.
Whether you find a teacher in NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, or Washington DC, you’re going to reap the physical as well as the mental benefits of your Aqua Tai Chi practice. Physically, you will strengthen your muscles without the damaging effects of high-impact exercise. Increasing blood flow to all parts of your body and improving your flexibility and strength will help reduce aches and pains, while increasing your stamina. You will also discover that your stress level will be greatly reduced, giving you long-lasting positive effects on your overall health. Mentally, you’ll find that you are more relaxed, flexible, and able to maintain your focus and concentration better than before. You may also find that you operate with less anxiety and that you feel happier in all aspects of your life.
Aqua Tai Chi is for those who are looking for a quiet, simpler way to provide health benefits to their body and mind. With calming music, warm water, and slow movements, it’s a step away from the traditional workout. You will be able to find a center in yourself that you thought never existed, and live a less painful and more peaceful life.