Have you ever seen people in a park making flowing movements at a very slow pace and looking very concentrated but also very relaxed? It was probably a group that practiced tai chi. This sport, which originally comes from China, is an effective workout for the entire musculoskeletal system and at the same time ideal for calming down.
This gentle sport strengthens joints, muscles and tendons, improves body awareness, relieves various illnesses, reduces stress and also helps to develop more self-confidence. Tai chi is suitable for all ages and is more exhausting than you might think. Holmes Place offers tai chi. Just try it out — there are group courses for beginners and advanced learners.
Tai chi — briefly explained
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, Taijiquan or shadow boxing, is an internal martial art that originated in its present form around the 16th or 17th century. Originally, it was about defending yourself. The aim of internal martial arts is to relax the body, draw strength from it and return the energy of an attack to the aggressor.
It is said to have been created when a monk watched a snake fight with a crane in the Wudang Mountains. The snake evaded the beak blows again and again and then struck at the right moment — this was how it was able to win the fight.
The term “Tai Chi Chuan” (pronounced: Taichichuaen) means something like “martial art of the highest principle.” “Taiji” or Tai Chi stands for the cosmic principle and Chuan for “fist.” What is meant is fighting with bare hands.
Tai chi consists of many exercises that are completed one after the other. The practitioner moves slowly but constantly in different directions. In doing so, they concentrate intensively on their breathing and movements and thus find inner peace. And not only that: If you perform the exercises correctly, you are doing good for your musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, metabolism and digestion. The intervertebral discs are relieved and posture problems can thus be corrected. This type of exercise also helps to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system and reduce sleep problems.
Anyone who practices tai chi regularly will notice after a short time that they are becoming more resistant to stress and tension. It is a type of meditation in motion that is incredibly good. However, it is important to really do the exercises correctly. It is therefore recommended to take a tai chi course first.
What is Qigong anyway?
Tai Chi is often mentioned in conjunction with Qigong (pronounced: Tschigung). This is because Tai Chi includes many Qigong exercises. However, this is primarily about the health aspect, so it is not a martial art. Qigong also comes from China, but is significantly older, with roots dating back to around 200 BC. Most often, it is carried out while standing.
The focus is on breathing, movement, concentration and meditation exercises; the aim is to harmonize the flow of life energy. The word qi describes this energy, while gong stands for “work” or “skill.” Qigong could therefore be translated as “constant work on life energy.”
Qigong is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and helps you relax, concentrate, strengthen self-awareness and become more flexible.
If you want to learn Qigong or Tai Chi, a group course is ideal. It only takes a few minutes for you to internalize the first basic movements. But be sure to fully immerse yourself in the type of movement so that you actually calm down. Tai chi studios can be found in Holmes Place clubs.
Tai chi in our club
In the middle of the popular trendy district of Rüttenscheid, the club resides in a building in the style of industrial architecture. High ceilings with pipes running underneath meet stylish elegance in the reception area. Inside, you have plenty to choose from: There are areas for cardio, functional training and free weights, an area for watt bikes, two studios and a spa with several saunas, one just for ladies.
A special feature is the spacious lounge with a view of the training areas. You can learn tai chi in the studios.
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