Yang style tai chi is one of the three main forms of tai chi. Yang tai chi chuan contains all the principles and basics of other tai chi forms, but uses its own sets of movements. Tai chi takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. The basics are essential to learn to master more advanced movements.
Step 1
Focus on having proper posture alignment. Run through a checklist to make sure that your body is upright, your head is straight and not sagging, your spine is comfortably straight, your shoulders are back and your body weight is evenly distributed across both of your legs.
Step 2
Take slow rhythmic breaths from the diaphragm of your lungs. Breathe in on a four count so your stomach starts to expand. Then slowly breathe out the air for a count of four. Deep breathing from the diaphragm should be consistently done while practicing tai chi.
Step 3
Stand upright with proper posture and relax your entire body by focusing on every muscle area and mentally telling it to relax. Breathe in, extend your arms and bring both hands in front of your shoulders with both palms facing toward each other.
Step 4
Breathe out while you slowly bring your hands down slightly below your waist. You should slightly bend your knees while you are bringing your hands below your waist.
Step 5
Lift your arms again with the palms facing each other while having your elbows slightly bent. Take one step forward with your left foot while keeping your knees bent.
Step 6
Push your hands forward while taking one step and moving your right in line with your left foot. Bring your hands down by your waist again and move your feet back into your starting position. Start the movement over again and repeat it four to five times.
Tips and Warnings
- Locate a local private or public tai chi instructor to teach you. Practice the basics of tai chi before moving on to more advanced movements.
- Any new exercise can cause your muscles to be sore for a couple of days.
Things You'll Need
- Loose Clothing
Member Comments