Tai chi can be one of the most peaceful and beneficial exercise practices you can undertake regardless of your fitness level. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s true that if you can move, you can do some form of tai chi, but it will take practice. It will take focus. It will take effort…and it will take time as well as patience, but all of that is so very worth it for you to get the immense benefits to your well-being inside and out that tai chi can bring.

So, without further ado, we’ve got some tips on how best to handle your tai chi practice:

• Take a tai chi class. It’s best to learn from a teacher. Videos and books can help supplement this learning, but should not be used as a substitute for it entirely.
• Concentrate on your breathing. While doing the movements, check in with your breathing. Make sure you breathe in and out, giving ample time to take a full breath in and a full breath out. Proper airflow is vital to the success of your tai chi practice and at the heart of your mindfulness practice.
• Practice regularly. Make time and take the time for your regular practice of tai chi. Just like with any skill, please put the effort and time in. What you put into the practice, you will get much more out of it.
• Warm up beforehand and cool down afterwards. Although tai chi seems like a calm and relaxing exercise, it does work the body out. You can not afford to neglect these steps. They are vital and it does not pay to cheat yourself by cutting corners in this way.
• Be careful when your joints are sore, swollen or your body hurts. Listen to your body and please take it slow when you don’t feel well. Modify your movements or stop if necessary. Talk to your teacher or make an appointment with your doctor if you need to. When you are attuned to your body, you must pay heed to what it tells you.
• Add aerobic exercise to your workout routine. Tai chi is a wonderful strengthening exercise that will also help you to find inner peace and increase flexibility. However, it is not aerobic. You will still need to jog or swim or do other things to meet those needs. Tai chi is just another tool in you arsenal, but not the ONLY tool.