The last Saturday in April is “World Tai Chi Day!”

So what is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is an ancient form of martial arts, originating in China thousands of years ago. It uses slow, gentle movements and controlled breathing and a meditative state that aims to create harmony between the mind and the body.

Tai Chi requires no special equipment and can be done at almost any time, anywhere, which makes it ideal for apartment dwellers, or others with limited access to more traditional exercise routines. If you’ve ever lived downstairs from a Kickboxing devotee, you’ll understand! No gym membership, bedazzled Lycra unitards or dumbbells required!

Tai Chi can be learned from taking a class; many options are offered through community centers, fitness or yoga studios. Lan Su Garden offers Tai Chi at their Northeast Community Center. Portland Parks and Recreation has $24 month-long weekly class series. Class offerings here It’s also possible to learn Tai Chi from videos or online instruction as well, which makes this practice accessible to a large number of participants.

Tai Chi is a wonderful form of low-impact exercise. Moving fluidly between poses limits any jarring or sudden forces to muscles and joints and the practice can be modified for any level of exertion or physical condition. Tai Chi is also excellent for relaxing the body and helping one become more in-tuned with their whole selves.

Almost everyone can benefit from some relaxation in our lives. The modern world often times gets so busy and stressful that we forget to breathe. When we slow down, breathe, we can help work through that tension to unblock our flow of energy (our Qi). Tai Chi can help improve balance, which leads to a reduced risk of falls and improved ability to perform daily tasks. Tai Chi has also been shown to help with low back pain, arthritis and lowering blood pressure.

As always, check in with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine. Consider adding Tai Chi to your life to feel more balanced and harmonious.