Martial art has always been a solution to several emotional and physical problems. From making fights to creating peace, martial art has gracefully helped people achieve their goals.
Researchers have been working round the clock to find even more benefits of martial arts especially to old people, luckily these researches have proven that martial arts have the right techniques and styles to keep people healthy, even in their older age.
There are two martial arts methods that have proven to be more beneficial than any other technique- Yoga and tai chi. Doctors have backed up researchers by claiming that tai chi and yoga techniques are useful for the people in their older age.
Knowing that both these techniques are beneficial, the biggest challenge becomes picking the right one. Which leads us to the topic of today- which is better for seniors- Yoga or Tai chi
Before we find the answer, let’s find out a bit about each technique.
What is tai chi?
Tai chi is a technique of martial art that symbolizes the transition of life. This technique consists of movements that are performed very gracefully. There is no pause in the movement. You have to make slow transitions from one step to another.
Taoist monk is said to be the inventor of this martial art technique. Rumour has it that the monk invented this technique after watching a war between a crane and a snake.
What do doctors claim about tai chi for Seniors?
Doctors and researchers all around the globe are working on this martial art technique. The data from these researches reveal that this technique is more beneficial to people in grief than most medicines and exercises.
Seniors who do tai chi regularly claim that tai chi has improved their physical conditions especially those suffering from osteoarthritis and diabetes.
The technique has also proved itself beneficial in musculoskeletal pain because of the old age. The excessive use of the computer or some accidents has also been treated with this martial art technique.
Why is tai chi ideal for seniors?
When you are young, you can take part in any kind of physical activity. You can go to the gym, do jogging, running and other types of physical exercises. But when you get older, it becomes difficult for you to take part in strenuous physical activities.
This is because the bones become more brittle and weak making it almost impossible for old people to do normal exercises and go to the gyms. The slow-motion transition of the tai chi is just the right kind of activity for the seniors. The seniors don’t need to do hoping or jumping in this exercise routine.
Types of Tai Chi
- Chen Style Tai Chi
- Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
- Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan
- Lee Style Tai Chi
- Guang Ping Tai Chi
- 8 Diamond Form Tai Chi
Benefits of Taichi to seniors
This is a low impact and gentle motion exercise. The transition from one movement to another doesn’t allow you to pause even for a second. The slow-motion is smooth for people in their older age. And it is beneficial both physically and emotionally to the seniors of both the gender.
You don’t need any unique gadgets to start this exercise. You can easily make this technique part of your daily routine without investing heavily in buying equipment or doing strenuous routines.
Here are some more benefits of Tai chi:
- Increases body awareness
- Improves cognition
- Reduces risk and fear of falling
- Eases arthritis pain
- Reduces back pain
- Strengthens muscles
- Increased motor abilities
- Makes you more patient
- Makes you powerful to endure
What is yoga?
Yoga is a type of martial art technique in which you try to control your body by making less or no movement at all. This technique has been used for hundreds of years by people looking to achieve and maintain peace of mind.
With your posture and breathing, you make your body relaxed and build a secure connection between your body and mind. Yoga is considered more spiritual than any other martial art techniques.
Doctors claims about yoga for seniors:
Doctors and researchers all over the world have been studying the effects of yoga on seniors. The results are auspicious as far as treating patients with yoga. Regular yoga exercises have a positive and productive impact on seniors.
Doctors have cured hypertension, obesity, and other diseases with the help of yoga. For diabetes and other joint-related diseases, yoga techniques have proven far more beneficial than other exercises or routines.
Why is yoga ideal for senior citizens?
Seniors don’t have to do strenuous activity or physical routines to do yoga. All they need is a quiet place and a yoga mat. They just have to sit or take the position of the style they want to perform and control their body motion and breathing. With breathing alone, they can do wonders in their body.
Types of Yoga:
- Hatha
- Iyengar
- Restorative
- Yin
- Vinyasa
- Ashtanga
- Bikram
- Kundalini
Benefits of Yoga for Older Adults:
The main benefit of yoga is reduced anxiety. The stress level is also reduced to the minimum, even after just one week of exercise. Breathing is beneficial in lowering high blood pressure.
Other benefits of yoga include:
- Better balance
- Improved flexibility
- Enhanced breathing
- Stronger bones
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Better sleep
Conclusion
Both exercises have proven beneficial to seniors in their old age. The best technique for you will depend on your physical and emotional needs.
To find out which is better, look at the benefits of each, this will tell you whether your needs will be met or not. If you are convinced that your needs will be fulfilled by tai chi, start doing that exercise right away. If you think yoga is better for you, dive in as well.
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