Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Five Different TypesThe BenefitsWho Can Benefit Most?How to Learn and Practice

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

The Five Different Types

The Benefits

Who Can Benefit Most?

How to Learn and Practice

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Ideally, this culminates in finding a sense of inner peace and tranquility. In addition, the art of Tai Chi is used to help improve your physical health.

If you were to look at someone practicing Tai Chi, it would appear almost as if they were moving in slow motion, and it would also be very clear that they were quite focused on the task at hand.Tai Chi has been referred to as a moving meditation.

The Five Different Types of Tai Chi

There are five primary forms or “styles” of Tai Chi: Chen, Yang, Hao, Wu, Chen, and Sun. Each follows the same premise, which is to combine meditation and martial arts, but there are some slight variations.

Chen

Chen also utilizes a movement called “silk reeling,” which is essentially a spiral-esque, flowing movement that starts at the feet and moves into the hands and is the foundation of Chen-style tai chi.

Yang

The difference is that it focuses more on improving flexibility via grand, sweeping movements that are executed in a slow and graceful motion. Because it doesn’t use the quick fast movements of Chen, it’s considered more accessible and ideal for all ages and fitness levels, which is likely why it’s so popular.

Wu

Sun

This version involves more footwork compared to the others, which is paired with soft and silk-reeling hand movements. When you see it performed from beginning to end, it very much resembles a beautiful choreographed dance.

Hao

Hao is considered the least popular of all five forms of Tai Chi, largely because it is quite nuanced and requires a more advanced skill level. This form places a strong emphasis on “controlling the movement of qi (internal force)” and isn’t recommended for those who are new to the art.

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The Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi boasts many benefits to both your inner and outer health. The below are the most notable, but this is not an exhaustive list.

Who Can Benefit Most from Tai Chi?

Anyone can benefit from incorporating tai chi into their life. Specifically, the Yang, Wu, and Sun forms are arguably the most accessible since they utilize slow and steady movements that even beginners can learn.

Given Tai Chi’s gentle and graceful nature, it’s often considered an excellent “sport” of choice for elderly.

There are even modern-day alternative versions that you can do sitting in a chair! Also, because Tai Chi involves a mental aspect, it serves as a beautiful way to meditate and find inner peace.

How to Learn and Practice Tai Chi

While Tai Chi might seem out of your comfort zone, there are many clubs, fitness studios, and even volunteer organizations across the globe that offer classes and sessions. You can even learn how to do Tai Chi virtually with a 1:1 instructor or even a pre-recorded lesson via social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Once you’ve learned the choreography, you’ll be able to practice anywhere from your bedroom to your backyard.

Keep in Mind

Tai Chi uniquely fuses physical exercise with meditation. This rare combination provides numerous benefits to both your physical and mental health, and because of the slow and steady movements it’s accessible to almost everyone who’s interested in learning and practicing the art.

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1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wu Y, Wang Y, Burgess EO, Wu J.The effects of Tai Chi exercise on cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis.Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013;2(4):193-203. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2013.09.001

1 Source

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wu Y, Wang Y, Burgess EO, Wu J.The effects of Tai Chi exercise on cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis.Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013;2(4):193-203. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2013.09.001

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Wu Y, Wang Y, Burgess EO, Wu J.The effects of Tai Chi exercise on cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis.Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013;2(4):193-203. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2013.09.001

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