
Tai Chi and yoga have many similarities. Both exercises are gentle and low-impact, and people have practiced them for hundreds of years. Both have great benefits for physical and mental health, and are especially beneficial for older people. But how do you choose the right exercise? Here are a few differences between the two.
1, Dynamic vs. Static
Tai Chi and yoga use different types of movements to build muscle and improve balance.
Tai Chi is like a graceful, flowing dance. You breathe deeply, focus on the sensations in your body, and gradually shift your body weight from one pose to another as you perform a series of slow, choreographed movements.
Yoga is a series of focused, mostly static stretching poses that are intensified while incorporating breathing techniques.
2, Standing vs. Sitting
Both Tai Chi and yoga are suitable for people who want or need to sit in a chair while exercising. But generally speaking, Tai Chi is practiced standing up. Yoga involves standing, lying down, sitting on the floor, and getting on all fours. Some poses require you to bend over, reach back, or even stand upside down.
These are important factors to consider. If you can’t stand for long periods of time or have trouble getting up from the floor and squatting, you need a chair for support during your practice.
Both exercises require a lot of movement to remember, and although both Tai Chi and yoga have coaches to guide you through the practice, some people still have difficulty doing it correctly or remembering the dance moves of Tai Chi.
3, Each has its own focus
Although Tai Chi and yoga have similar benefits, studies have found that their advantages are different.
Tai Chi can improve your balance, reduce the chance of falling by 20% to 60%, and improve all the skills needed to stay upright – leg strength, flexibility, reflexes, range of motion, and awareness of body sensations and mental focus.
Yoga seems to relieve pain, especially back, neck and other musculoskeletal pain. This may be due to the effect of constantly stretching the muscles of the body. Yoga can also relieve pain by reducing mental
stress.
4, Other factors
How to choose between yoga and Tai Chi often depends on personal preference and practical considerations. Some people prefer relatively static exercises, while others prefer dynamic exercises.
Choose according to your physical condition. If you have memory problems, you can try yoga; if you have severe arthritis, Tai Chi may be more suitable than yoga.
Both sports are suitable for a wide range of people and can match people of different physical strengths. Even if you have Parkinson’s disease or other physical limitations, you can try to exercise.
However, choosing the right coach is an important reference factor. It is best to have a professional coach to accompany and guide you to reduce the risks of exercise.