T'ai Chi Chih in the Fitness World
By Dale Buchanan

Have you ever been to the gym and seen people reading a magazine while riding the recumbent bike or watching TV while on the Stairmaster? I have often asked myself, "What are these people actually doing in here?" Are they paying attention to what is happening to their body? Do they even care? Are they aware of their heart rate, what muscles are being worked, if they are doing enough exercise, or if they are doing too much?

My conclusion is that these people are numbing themselves from the exercise. They are being mindless -- disconnecting from themselves just to get through the workout. Their bodies stay the same year after year, because, mentally, they're not even at the gym. They're still home sitting on the couch.

T'ai Chi Chih is the exact opposite of these methods. T'ai Chi Chih is true "mindfulness" in motion, and it is the easiest way I have found to really connect the mind and body. Not only are you fully aware and attuned to what is happening while practicing T'ai Chi Chih, you're also centered, balanced, focused, and better able to concentrate without any effort at all. After practicing T'ai Chi Chih for a short period of time the benefits begin to translate into other areas of your life.

What is T'ai Chi Chih?

T'ai Chi Chih was created by Justin Stone to enable you to effortlessly experience the vital life force, or Chi, in your body. It consists of 20 flowing movements, performed softly, continuously, and without external muscular tension. It can be practiced anywhere, by anyone, and requires very little space and no special clothing.

T'ai Chi Chih means "Knowledge of the Supreme Ultimate." I have never found anything else that fully relaxes me and totally energizes me at the same time. Unlike the quick burst of energy from a cup of coffee or a sports bar, T'ai Chi Chih uses your internal energy (Chi) to supply your body with an internal power that is always readily available.

T'ai Chi Chih is also excellent for stress reduction. As a Fitness Therapist, I use T'ai Chi Chih in my Stress Management Program, and I have seen it help people with arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and hypertension. Because it is so gentle on the body, I have also used it for post-rehab maintenance and lower back pain prevention and safety.

How does T'ai Chi Chih fit into your fitness program?

Imagine doing a set of curls and really feeling the weight through the entire range of motion. Imagine being on the treadmill and feeling exactly what is happening to your body. How much sweat is dripping down your back? Are you working up to your potential? T'ai Chi Chih puts you in tune with your body and sharpens your natural instincts, allowing you to sense when you are over training, haven't eaten enough, need to work harder, or need take a few days off from the gym. T'ai Chi Chih helps you communicate with your body.

If you've hit a plateau, incurred an injury, or simply want to live a more energized, stress-free lifestyle, give T'ai Chi Chih a try. You'll be glad you did.