How to Dress for a Tai Chi Workout

Proper clothing for a Tai Chi workout is just as important as proper clothing for any exercise regime. The difference with Tai Chi is that loose clothing is good. Most kinds of exercise require something tight to prevent tripping or getting caught in a machine, leading to serious injury.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tennis shoes and socks OR
• Soft-soled shoes
• Silk Tai Chi outfit OR
• Sweatpants and t-shirt

1. Decide if you prefer loose clothing or something tight for a Tai Chi workout. Loose clothing allows for free movement in any direction. One needs to be able to make large, sweeping gestures without being impeded by tight, restrictive clothes. However, materials such as spandex can still be used if that is comfortable for you.

2. If you want to be authentic, you can wear a traditional Tai Chi outfit. This ensemble is about as far as you can get from the western idea of workout clothing. To most of us it would look like pajamas. The long pants and long-sleeved shirt are usually made from silk. The sleeves have cuffs and the shirt closes with frogs rather than buttons or a zipper. With these, flat soled shoes are usually worn. This silk outfit may seem like a strange choice, but your movement will be unhindered as you exercise.

3. Pick your footwear. Making the right choice in shoes is also less restrictive with Tai Chi. You can wear your nice, expensive Reeboks or some cushy, fluffy socks. Since it's not a high-impact activity, you won't need special arch support or gel inserts in your shoes.

4. The final step in choosing a Tai Chi outfit is finding something that will separate your martial arts time from the rest of your day. By putting on a special outfit, you put yourself in a special state of mind that can help you get more out of the calming and meditative effects of Tai Chi. Whether you choose the traditional Tai Chi outfit or your comfy sweats and sneakers, pick clothing that will let your body move and your spirit soar.

5. Don't know where to start looking for these traditional duds? Try searching online, especially places like e-bay. You'll be able to find various styles and colors of Chinese-style outfits. If you're going the western-style route, go out and buy yourself something comfortable, but make sure to keep it just for Tai Chi. Don't wear your Tai Chi sweat pants to bed or your Tai Chi t-shirt for painting your living room. You'll have a hard time feeling meditative in clothes you also wear when munching chips on the couch or scrubbing the bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Tai Chi may cause inner peace.

[kmobigplanet]

on 11/19/2008 Wow, this is really good to know, I've just started to learn Tai Chi... Thak you for sharing... *****