Strengthen your body, mind, and spirit with tai chi ch'uan. For centuries, this ancient system of exercise and meditation has helped men and women condition their muscles; improve their coordination, balance, circulation, breathing, and flexibility; regulate their blood pressure; decrease stress; and more. Althought tai chi ch'uan provides a great full-body workout, it's not a particularly strenuous cardiovascular activity, makng it ideal for people who have not been habitually active, for cardiac patients, and for senior citizens. Learn correct mental focus, breathing, eye movement and body posture for tai chi ch'uan, and then slowly progress through five different easy-to-learn sequences, each containing fifteen or more forms that release internal energy, exercise the body, and, if necessary, can be used for self-defense. Each movement is clearly illustrated in photographs with overlying arrows that indicate the direction of motion. Practiced regularly, tai chi ch'uan is a natural, holistic way to achieve a healthier, happier life.

Contents

What is tai chi ch'uan?
Tai chi ch'uan's benefits
Body alignment & other essentials
How new style tai chi ch'uan differs from other styles
New style tai chi ch'uan sequences
First sequence (1-15)
Second sequence (16-30)
Third sequence (31-45)
Fourth sequence (46-60)
Fifth sequence (61-78)
Index