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Tai Chi for all ages

Tai Chi for all ages

Published by on March 27, 2023 | Leave a response

As an ancient Chinese practice, tai chi may seem foreign and even intimidating. Only about 1% of the U.S. population, or about 3.65 million Americans, reported doing tai chi in 2015. That means a lot of Americans are missing out on the myriad benefits that tai chi has to offer. The goal of this blog is to make tai chi more familiar, more accessible, and easy to practice regularly even right in your living room.

Mind-body exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, have been gaining popularity over the past few decades. This is not surprising, given the increasing number of studies on the positive effects of these gentler forms of exercise, everything from lowering blood pressure and managing depression to building strength and improving balance. There is even evidence that tai chi may help you live a longer, more vital life.

Studies have confirmed that the mind-body practice of tai chi produces a state of relaxed attention, in addition to improving balance, muscle endurance, cognitive function and overall quality of life.

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise. It’s also great for younger adults looking for a break in high intensity, high impact exercise that can damage joints over time.

You may also find tai chi appealing because it’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment. You can do tai chi anywhere, including indoors or outside. And you can do tai chi alone or in a group class.

Although tai chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying tai chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.

Reference: An Introduction to Tai Chi | Tai Chi Benefits for Young Adults | Tai Chi Mayo Clinic | The Effect of Tai Chi on Dynamic Balance in Younger Adults

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Fun Facts on Ballet, Hip Hop, Tai chi, etc.

Fun Facts on Ballet, Hip Hop, Tai chi, etc.

Published by on March 8, 2023 | Leave a response

Ballet, hip hop and tai chi are popular forms of dance. The three styles of dance have different origins and characteristics. They also each incorporate finger postures, arm movements, and other techniques that help emphasize the movement across the body. Here are a few fun facts on Ballet, Hip Hop, Tai chi, etc.

  • Women were not allowed to join the ballet: Ballet originated in Italy in the 15th Century but women were not allowed to dance in public until 1681, so women could not join the Ballet.
  • Ballet dancers have a special trick to stop them from slipping: To help them glide effortlessly across the dance floor, dancers rub rosin on their pointes and flats to make sure they do not accidently slip. This yellow crystal substance is also used by string musicians to help them play better and to help baseball pitchers improve their grip on the ball.
  • Hip Hop was born in 1973 somewhere in the Bronx where a birthday celebration was going on. A big change in music started with a little move.
  • The word ‘ break dance ‘ was also derived from the breakbeat DJing of Kool Herc. He named the performing “boys” and “girls” as b-boys and b-girls, When they danced, they were represented as “breaking.”
  • The name Tai Chi is short for T’ai chi ch’üan (or Tàijí quán). It is practiced for self-defense as well as for health benefits, and as a form of meditation.
  • There are health benefits to practicing tai chi such as increased circulation, flexibility, and balance. This makes it a popular art with those who may want to avoid more hard styles of martial arts.

Those are just a few fun facts about ballet, hip hop and tai chi. To learn more visit our studio and enroll in our classes! See you there!

Reference: Amazing Hiphop Facts | 10 INCREDIBLE FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BALLET | 17 Interesting facts about Tai Chi

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Benefits of Dancing

Benefits of Dancing

Published by on February 22, 2023 | Leave a response

When it comes to fitness, dancing is definitely one of the most overlooked practices. First off all, dancing is a great way to get in shape. It gets your heart rate up and keeps your body moving in ways that other methods do not.

Here are 5 health benefits of dancing.

  1. Dancing Builds Core Strength: Dance requires balance and helps build core strength, which helps promote good posture and prevent muscle injuries and back pain, according to Mayo Clinic.
  2. Dance Promotes Flexibility: This is especially true for ballet dancers. “Ballet training involves a great deal of flexibility training. Flexibility means improved mobility, which means that any type of daily activity will be more enjoyable, whether you take yoga or you are trying to reach for the top cabinet in your kitchen,” says Granger.
  3. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Of course, the faster you dance, the faster your heart will beat, which can lead to a stronger and healthier heart. An Italian study found that people with heart failure who started practicing waltzing had much better heart health, breathing, and quality of life compared to those who simply cycled or walked on a treadmill.
  4. Reduced Depression: A study looking at the effects of dance on patients experiencing depression found that those who participated in an upbeat group dance showed the least number of symptoms associated with depression and were more energetic and upbeat as a result.
  5. Weight Loss: Increased movement also usually means increased weight loss. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found aerobic dance training can help you lose just as much weight as biking or jogging.

Those are the few benefits of dancing. To learn more visit our studio and enroll in our dance classes! See you there!

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Zumba Essentials

Zumba Essentials

Published by on February 17, 2023 | Leave a response

Zumba is a fun, creative, and effective way to lose weight, improve your health and increase your energy levels. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities – from beginners to those who have been doing the exercise regime their entire lives. Here are the basic essentials for Zumba.

  1. Beverage: You should have your own beverage on you to make sure that you are properly hydrated. Water is always fine, but we recommend having a beverage that offers electrolytes to help replenish what you’re sweating out without calories.
  2. Headband: With a headband you will not need to worry about sweat running into your eyes. You will see your Zumba instructor and you will have fun!
  3. Towel: Even if you have your headband you are going to want a nice towel to wipe all of your sweat. After all, not every Zumba class are conducted inside a studio
  4. Dress Comfortably: The primary goal is to get a great workout. They provide an opportunity to let your inhibitions go, show off your moves, and interact with others. With those goals in mind, you want to be as comfortable as possible when dressing for each class. That means wearing items that will allow you to move freely while boosting your self-confidence.
  5. Get Social: Like any good party, Zumba is all about social interaction and creating a community that shares one common goal—to have fun! To enhance your class experience, consider bringing along a friend or a coworker to get in on the fitness action.

Now you know the basic essential for Zumba, So what are you waiting for come and join us! Schedule your Zumba class now with Fit for Life Jenkintown!

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