Reduce stress with tai chi, Worcester County, MA

Tai chi (TIE-chee) originated in China for self-defense and has evolved into a form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and to help with a variety of other health conditions. Tai chi is sometimes described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body. Because tai chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, is a self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do tai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai chi has many different styles. All forms of tai chi include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for tai chi forces you to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts.

During tai chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your tai chi session.

Despite its long history, tai chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. Preliminary evidence suggests that tai chi may offer numerous benefits beyond stress reduction, including:

• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Improving balance, flexibility and muscle strength
• Reducing falls in older adults
• Improving sleep quality
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving cardiovascular fitness in older adult
• Relieving chronic pain
• Increasing energy, endurance and agility
• Improving overall feelings of well-being

Sign-up for Tai Chi Classes Today!

Styles offered:
Yang Style for beginners and intermediate.
Chen & Bagua for advanced.


MJA Martial Arts, Inc.
64 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Spencer, MA 01562
508-885-9100

Serving the following Worcester County Massachusetts areas: Spencer, Oxford, Sturbridge, Southbridge, Worcester, Brookfield, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, Rutland, Charlton, Barre, Webster, Brimfield, Oakham, Warren, Dudley, Princeton and surrounding towns.