Interestingly, tai chi began as a martial art form seeking to avoid the more rigid requirements of other practices that required formal costumes or military uniforms as part of their ritual. Consensus suggests that your tai chi uniform should be loose enough to be comfortable when you practice. Actually, any clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move freely is appropriate for tai chi.
Consideraitons
According to an article in "The Guadian," tai chi expert Dr John Kells suggests two essential components of tai chi: The first is to begin the practice and the second is to continue. The beginning steps in tai chi are difficult because they are physically challenging to preform. A good teacher will help you bring your mind and body into harmony as you practice tai chi. What you wear as you do this is less essential than the actions themselves.
Movement
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise ritual that combines relaxed, slow movements with a calm but alert mental state. If you have watched videos of groups of people in China practicing tai chi, you may have noticed that they are not wearing uniforms but rather loose clothing that allows them to move freely through the exercises. A tai chi uniform is a Western concept because in China, uniforms are not mandatory. The clothing you wear when you practice tai chi should not restrict your arms and legs in any way and should be loose and comfortable across your chest and waist.
Suggestions
Clothing appropriate for tai chi includes track, or running suit, bottoms and loose-fitting yoga pants. Loose T-shirts or any cotton top with or without sleeves that do not restrict your arm movement are appropriate. If you do wear a uniform, it must be loose enough to not obstruct blood flow in your limbs. Practitioners believe that tight clothing reduces your energy -- or chi -- flow, so tights, leggings and leotards are discouraged.
Foot Gear
While tai chi practitioners suggest that your clothing should be loose and comfortable and that a uniform is not necessary, they have specific suggestions for foot gear. Thin-soled Chinese slippers or specific shoes made for tai chi are preferred. Steer away from running shoes or sneakers because they are too heavy. Practicing tai chi barefoot is not suggested because the pressure from some poses can result in callouses on the soles of your feet. The shoe or slipper should fit comfortably and not be so loose that they slip as you move. Socks are discouraged because they do not provide stable footing and are slippery if you are practicing in a gym or other space with wood floors.
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