Tai Chi

I've always fancied taking this up too.
I have heard that it's not an easy thing to do without proper tuition even though it looks simple
Personaly I'd love to join a class but there is nothing near me.

I started Tai Chi classes a few weeks ago. The problem that I have found is that all the other people at the class have been doing it for quite a few years and are very good.
Although the movements are quite straight forward they are done in very long sequences and I am finding them quite hard to remember. The instructor is giving me a lot of individual attention but I feel this is holding things up for the rest of the class.
There are a lot of videos on YouTube but again they are done by experts.
Having said all this, having experienced Tai Chi I can really see how beneficial it could be, both as gentle but effective exercise and an excellent way of learning to relax.
Learning the sequences is very good exercise for the brain as well, so I would recommend it, but try to find a class that is more suitable for beginners.

Thank you G60. I had a feeling it would not be as simple as it looks. I can join in with a class but it is not particularly for beginners so I think I would be a bit lost. I have ordered a library book to start with and will look for a beginners class. I was especially interested in your comments about the exercises being done in a certain pattern. Will look out for this with book.
Incidentally I googled tai chi and it very kindly showed me local groups, for those looking for a class.

I joined a class a few weeks ago - like grandma60, the instructors spend some time with me individually. (Think we're lucky, as it's a husband and wife, so one looks after the experienced and the other looks after us newbies).

There are videos on YouTube, which I find useful, because they can be paused....again and again

I am really enjoying the classes, the concentration needed really helps to calm the mind. And the group are very friendly and welcoming

My instructor actually advised against the YouTube videos as he said they use many different forms and may make it more confusing I,m not sure if I agree with him, but I suppose he should know best. Shestheone I do agree with you that the concentration calms the mind but it's not working at the moment as I don't feel very comfortable there. I do want to persevere with it but I think I need to look for another class.

I too would be wary of learning from anyone other than the chosen instructor - there are many different forms, and it is also easy - like yoga and pilates - to get a position 'wrong' and you need a good instructor to correct you.

I can't manage Tai Chi, because of the long sequences - I am much better with pilates.

I did Tai Chi for a couple of years but had to give it up to look after DM. I loved it, so relaxing and it got rid of all tension without being too physical. I recommend going to classes so you can learn along with others.
It was a lovely feeling to do the sequences with 30 other people, pretty much in silence. I even felt quite dainty!

I have been doing Tai Chi for many years. It is a great way of staying active and improving health. I suggest you look for a class, but if you want to start with some movement look for Chi gong (qigong) excersises. These movements are easy to pick up and are the health improving part of the excersise. The other part of Tai Chi and the part most people think of is the form. This is a series of movements and is learned over a period of time ( in my case a very long period). There are different forms and classes and instructors teach different forms, There is also the martial arts element of Tai Chi which can involve sticks and swords and which some classes teach. I haven't done much of this.
Instructors vary but tend to be encouraging and supportive.
grandma60 I suggest you ask the instructor which form he is teaching then you can google it and find the right video.
I learned Cheng man Ching 37 step form

I did Tai Chi with a group where we used to live but gave up when we moved and I miss it. I did continue on my own for a while but found it more difficult as my knees stopped me turning properly. Hopefully I'll be on the look out for another class shortly.

I would say it's much better in a group. My teacher would have three different groups going at the same time to different levels. Doing the same form altogether is hypnotic and very calming.

The only advice I would give in a class is try to stand in the middle. Hiding at the back doesn't work as, like line dancing, you turn in every direction!