How to Combine Water Tai Chi Exercises

Tai Chi, sometimes referred to as meditation in motion, increases balance, reduces stress, tones and increases muscle stamina and improves flexibility. Tai Chi developed in China thousands of years ago on the land, but it's appropriate and easier when done in water. The buoyancy of the body in water creates a more balanced and graceful movement. Water Tai Chi frees the mind quicker since the movements flow easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tai Chi routine
• Swim suit
• Pool or natural water source

1. Start the learning process on land. Develop your posture first. Remember that the body is always upright. Picture an imaginary string that hooks to the top of the head at one end and is held above in the universe on the other. Dangle from the string and let the weight of the body fall through to the bottom of the feet. When you do water Tai Chi, the body's buoyancy allows this to happen naturally.

2. Develop the get ready stance once you understand the balance of the weight throughout the movements. Make sure your feet are parallel and at shoulders width. Relax the body and focus on even breathing. Mentally prepare for the Tai Chi movements even before you begin the stances.

3. Move to the first position. Raise your arms in front of you and form a circle. The right hand closes the circle in front and the fingers on the left hand, behind the right hand, point upward. Move the right foot to a 45-degree angle as you bend the knee and the place your weight on the heel of the left foot as you move it in front of the right hip. The movement resembles the ballet positions.

4. Choose the next movement for your sequence. The order of the moves isn't as important as moving smoothly through the process. You can use movements that allow you to walk in the water like the repulse monkey and add arm movements like the slanted palms flying.

5. Create a sequence that's easy enough to remember and then head for the pool. You may add to the sequence later, but keep it simple at first. Practice the water Tai Chi sequence in a continuous flow, moving from one stance to another. Breathe deeply and evenly throughout.

6. Add to the water Tai Chi movements as you become comfortable. The concept is to relax. Keep the confusion away from the exercises and slowly develop the routine.

7. Complete the sequence of movements after several adjustments. Periodically learn new moves. Remember to keep the stress away. You don't have to be perfect. Change the sequence when the spirit moves you. Water Tai Chi, as regular Tai Chi, is about the beauty of the moving body and meditation of the soul.

Tips & Warnings

• These should be done in the pool or in comfortable temperatures. The higher the water, the more difficult the Tai Chi exercise becomes. Most people like to do the exercises in waist-high water.

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