Is Tai Chi Good For You?
Difficult to say, but speaking as a slightly overweight man in his late fifties (1.9 m, 98 kg), I enjoy it! And isn’t that half the battle with exercise?
You might enjoy the following BBC programme with Dr Michael Mosely: Just One Thing - Try Tai Chi (link).
In his short programme, he discussed how Tai Chi, that he explain is sometimes described as shadow boxing or meditation in motion, might improve one’s balance, immune system, and heart health. It may also be as effective for weight loss as conventional exercise and helpful for improving cognitive function.
In a teaching session of just over one hour this week, I burned 357 kcal, and saw my heart rate go from 94-135 bpm.
Average Heart Rate over six months
That’s in the context of a heart beat ranging from 41-201 bpm over the last six months and a resting rate of 67-85 bpm in the same period.
Note: I had a physician colleague remark that he was a little concerned that my rate was getting up to 200+ 😄
Cardio Fitness over six months
Although I either train or teach three to four times a week, I feel I have long way to go on my fitness journey, as my overall Cardio Fitness is currently showing as ‘below average’.
Equipment: Apple Watch, Apple iPhone with Apple Health app and Withings ScanWatch with Health Mate app.
Walking Asymmetry
“In a healthy walking pattern, the timing of the steps you take with each foot are very similar. Walking asymmetry is the per cent of time your steps with one foot are faster or slower than the other foot. This means the lower the percentage of asymmetry, the healthier your walking pattern.”
— Apple Health app.
In my case, walking asymmetry is caused by osteoarthritis of the hip.
After my forthcoming hip replacement surgery, my goal is to train or teach an hour a day.
I’d then hope to see a reduction in walking asymmetry and an increase in Cardio Fitness.
This post was first published at https://wutansurrey.com.
