Tai Chi to Build Strength
Research has demonstrated that Tai Chi Chuan is a potent strengthening exercise. Five well designed studies (and Bill's extensive clinical experience) have shown Tai Chi to be an excellent way to increase and maintain leg and arm strength. The deepest layer of abdominal, pelvic and neck muscles are also strengthened by Tai Chi and Qigong.
Tai Chi has a reputation for being an "easy exercise for old people", but depending on how it is practiced, it can be quite challenging to muscle strength and endurance. When Bill Gallagher teaches Tai Chi to physical therapy students or practicing clinicians (physical therapists, occupational therapists, yoga therapists, pilates teachers and other health professionals) he convinces these (typically) young and strong therapists that Tai Chi Chuan builds strength in the first 5 minutes of the course!
In addition to strengthening muscles, Tai Chi and Qigong practice allow people to improve the ability to push, pull and lift by enhancing coordination. This coordination allows one to express more power with less effort.
Filed under: Tai Chi
Other Pages
Tai Chi for Fear of Falling
Tai Chi for Cardiac (heart) Conditions
Main Intervention (RX) Page
