T'ai Chi for Seniors: How to Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peace Paperback - 2004

You're old enough to seriously lie about your age. And you're tired of everyone telling you to get in shape. What kind of exercise program will get you going without making you sore, lame, and miserable?The answer is t'ai chi, and T'ai Chi for Seniors is the book you need. Sifu Philip Bonifonte gives you all the information you need to undertake a safe, health-improving exercise regimen. These ancient Chinese exercises help to alleviate the pains of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other senior diseases. And believe it or not, they're fun and low impact! T'ai Chi for Seniors offers an overview of the practice of t'ai chi from the principles of the movements to the history of the art itself then discusses various positions and helps you to understand what you can accomplish with each. Methods outlined in this guide can be performed standing or seated--no previous experience necessary!--and take into consideration limited range of movement.Illustrated, step-by-step instructions give you the guidance you need to easily and painlessly incorporate t'ai chi into your daily life and discover its benefits. You will learn:Basic movement principles that will help with everyday activities.Two complete qigong forms: the 18 Movement and the 8 Pieces of Brocade.Basic movement patterns of t'ai chi and how they lead to a lower incidence of falls.How Chinese medicine is intimately related to t'ai chi and qigong. Everything in T'ai Chi for Seniors is presented in an easy-to-learn style, with true stories illustrating the benefits that other mature adults have gained from these practices. Whether you are just beginning t'ai chi or simply looking for a supplemental text to use out of class, T'ai Chi for Seniors is the practical guide you need.

A solitary figure moves slowly and gracefully in the early morning mist settling over the park.