Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise and relaxation technique that helps relieve stress while keeping the joints flexible and the muscles toned. Following on the heels of a study that showed tai chi could reduce falls in the elderly and help arthritis suffers to gain strength and agility, comes a report indicating that the practice also improves cardiovascular fitness after a heart attack. British researchers reporting in the Postgraduate Medical Journal compared how 126 heart attack patients fared in three different cardiac rehabilitation programs: tai chi, aerobic exercise, and a non-exercise support group. At the end of the eight-week trial, only those doing tai chi showed a reduction in resting heart rate and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers concluded that the gentle movements use in tai chi offered the ultimate in relaxation.
Try It At Home
Standing with your feet apart imagine you are holding two large rags in front of a large mirror. Concentrating on your body movements, place hands above your head about a foot a part and then slowly lower them, circling the left hand to the left and the right hand to the right, until your fingertips are at shoulder level. Repeat a few times.
About the author: Robin Westen writes about health for national magazines.
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