Tai Chi Chuan History and Benefits

The exercise is often practiced for the purposes of health, fitness and longevity. Recent medical studies support its effectiveness. Tai Chi Chuan is considered a soft-style martial art, an exercise applied with as complete a relaxation or "softness" in the musculature as possible.


Variations of the basic Tai Chi exercise forms are well known as slow motion routines. Thousands of people practice Tai Chi every morning in hundreds of parks across China and many other parts of the world. Traditional Tai Chi Chuan exercise teaches awareness of balance, an appreciation of the practical value in one's ability to moderate extremes of mental and physical behavior, and how this awareness applies to effective self-defense principles. The exercise provides a full-body workout without the need of costly exercise equipment.

Tai Chi Rhythmball™ is the newest, direct descendent of Tai Chi Chuan. It's rhythmic movements and flowing routines easily identify it as a form of Tai Chi. Although it is more active than the non-martial arts portion of Tai Chi, it provides the same physical and mental health benefits. Further, the expense of the Tai Chi equipment and videos is very modest.


For more information on Tai Chi, its health benefits, Tai Chi exercise equipment and a link to the “Arthritis Today” article that recommends the exercise and its exercise equipment for improving or inhibiting arthritis symptoms, click here. For additional information regarding the benefits and types of exercise that reduce arthritis pain and symptoms, please see our links section.