Fitness Levels of Tai Chi Practitioners

       The seminar "A TASTE OF CHINA," given by Master Yang Zhen Duo in July of 1990, provided an excellent opportunity to appraise the fitness levels of attending Tai Chi practitioners.

       Most of the participants practice Tai Chi as their only form of regular exercise and stated that they perform it slowly at a low to medium stance, and at a moderate to high level of intensity. The average duration of practice was just over one hour, at an average frequency of seven times a week, and for an average period of seven years.

       The results of the fitness appraisals were compared to normative values for the average adult population. The average percentages of body fat for the males and females were both between the good and excellent categories, being 13% and 19% respectively.

       Scores in tests for flexibility and muscle strength and endurance were good, for both males and females. Participants were given a sub-maximal bike test to measure cardiovascular fitness. The average resting heart rate was 67 and the average blood pressure was approximately 100/60. The average rating for cardiovascular fitness was 82% (meaning that the group performed better than 82% of the adult population for which this test was averaged), which is considered to be very good. Ten of the participants received a cardiovascular fitness rating of excellent (92-99%+).

       In China, Tai Chi has long been used to improve the health of young and old, and to treat the chronically ill. Research in China, the United States and throughout the world has reported that Tai Chi can be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other types of chronic diseases. Research indicates that continuous practice of Qigong and Tai Chi exercises increases or improves relaxation, bone density, muscle strength and endurance, physical work capacity, cardiovascular functioning, balance and coordination, oxygen consumption and flexibility.

       Is there really an easier way to exercise? Many Tai Chi practitioners think so.