Tai Chi update
13 Apr 2005 10:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
karohemdFollowing the results of last week's poll, an unfiltered post.
Tough lesson today, again concentrating on the five principles (45 degree step, knee position over foot, straight line along back and leg, equal forces, squared hips relative to loaded foot) on the first 10 or so of steps, repeating them over and over again.
The good thing is that our instructor is now working with students individually, making corrections and suggestions as necessary. I now know exactly what I need to work on and as these things are principles rather than sequences of moves, I can very easily practice them in the little space I have available in my place.
We were also introduced to two of the "foundation exercises" as a number of us want to take part in the next Intensive and the General Workshop (weekend thing) in May. The tor-yu is relatively easy as it's basically a turn, twist and weight-shift exercise. The don-yu on the other hand is a harsh knee-bending move, similar to a squat but different (similar movement as you would sitting down on a chair, keeping lower legs as well as the back vertical). This is a hard but an effective one, too. While the first concentrates on flexibilty, the second one builds up strength in the legs and the lower back.
The personal instruction and concentration on exact movement and position was something I was missing during the beginners section and I wasn't quite if that was a good thing or not. However, I have an idea why they're doing it. First, it's pretty much only choreography while you're learning the set, something fun to do while learning how to think about your body a bit. I think a lot more people would drop out early if the instruction were as intense in the beginning as it is now.
I'm still surprised that I'm enjoying it so much, as I never really liked physical exercise. I think the non-competitive nature of the course is a big factor and the other thing is that I've noticed how it helps me. The Taoist Tai Chi Society concentrate on the health benefits of Tai Chi, encouraging their members to do as much as they can without pushing them too hard, rather than insisting on fine-tuning style.
The main benefits for me are that it's a good workout without much impact. It doesn't look that way because of the slow, flowing movements but all the major muscle groups in your body are constantly stretched and contracted so after 90 minutes, you know that you've been doing something. Despite that, I always feel good and relaxed afterwards, even when I'd been very tired from work before.
Tough lesson today, again concentrating on the five principles (45 degree step, knee position over foot, straight line along back and leg, equal forces, squared hips relative to loaded foot) on the first 10 or so of steps, repeating them over and over again.
The good thing is that our instructor is now working with students individually, making corrections and suggestions as necessary. I now know exactly what I need to work on and as these things are principles rather than sequences of moves, I can very easily practice them in the little space I have available in my place.
We were also introduced to two of the "foundation exercises" as a number of us want to take part in the next Intensive and the General Workshop (weekend thing) in May. The tor-yu is relatively easy as it's basically a turn, twist and weight-shift exercise. The don-yu on the other hand is a harsh knee-bending move, similar to a squat but different (similar movement as you would sitting down on a chair, keeping lower legs as well as the back vertical). This is a hard but an effective one, too. While the first concentrates on flexibilty, the second one builds up strength in the legs and the lower back.
The personal instruction and concentration on exact movement and position was something I was missing during the beginners section and I wasn't quite if that was a good thing or not. However, I have an idea why they're doing it. First, it's pretty much only choreography while you're learning the set, something fun to do while learning how to think about your body a bit. I think a lot more people would drop out early if the instruction were as intense in the beginning as it is now.
I'm still surprised that I'm enjoying it so much, as I never really liked physical exercise. I think the non-competitive nature of the course is a big factor and the other thing is that I've noticed how it helps me. The Taoist Tai Chi Society concentrate on the health benefits of Tai Chi, encouraging their members to do as much as they can without pushing them too hard, rather than insisting on fine-tuning style.
The main benefits for me are that it's a good workout without much impact. It doesn't look that way because of the slow, flowing movements but all the major muscle groups in your body are constantly stretched and contracted so after 90 minutes, you know that you've been doing something. Despite that, I always feel good and relaxed afterwards, even when I'd been very tired from work before.
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Date: 16/4/05 11:15 pm (UTC)May I add you, by the way?
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