Nowadays, Tai Chi (aka Taiji) is practised as a gentle form of exercise, and includes an ancient form of
breathing exercise known as Qigong (aka Chi Kung), practised in China for thousands of years.

Tai Chi and Qigong can be regarded as ideal exercise in terms of being 'functional',
because the underlying principles can be applied to normal day to day tasks and activities.

On a physical level, Tai Chi and Qigong exercise the limbs and joints
(and gently massage the internal organs) in ways much western exercise doesn't.

The relaxed and slow tempo calms the mind, stimulating the
parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of Tai Chi & Qigong as exercise is the freedom in terms of training.
It can be practised in sickness as well as in health, indoors or outside, alone or with others,
and doesn't require special equipment or premises.

Tai Chi is suitable for everyone, regardless of age.