V-feet Tai Chi Form, front view - 06/07/07 (Spring)
This V-feet Tai Chi form is my compact adaptation of the 37 Posture Tai Chi Chuan Form taught by Prof. Cheng Manching
http://youtube.com/watch?v=USJPmCZ6Efc
It is done standing in place, feet forming a "V" stance: heels together, toes pointing outward 30 to 45 degrees.
As the full weight of the body settles onto one leg, the muscles of the weight-bearing leg flex and tighten; the muscles of the weightless leg relax. When the full weight of the body shifts onto the opposite leg, those muscles tighten, and the muscles of the non-weight bearing leg relax. Like walking in place, each leg takes turns bearing the full weight of the body, flexing and relaxing. Repeat these actions many times, combined with appropriate arm movements, and the whole body gets a great workout in a brief period of time.
Powered by deep abdominal breathing, chi is circulated continuously, smoothly, and harmoniously throughout the entire body.
**
Many of the exercises I do daily involve shifting the majority of my body weight onto one leg, then the other, maintaining proper balance during each shift of body weight.
"Maintain upright integrity." "Don't wobble." "Don't lose balance while shifting from one leg to the other."
When 100% of my weight is on one leg, the other leg could be raised to kick. Even though the kick may not be executed, just implied, the kicking leg remains weightless while the opposite leg supports the full weight of the body.
While the weight-bearing leg's muscles tense, the non-weight bearing leg's muscles relax.
As weight shifts to the opposite leg, that leg tenses up (as it receives the full weight of the body), and the leg that is now free to kick relaxes.
These exercises are done with a MINIMUM of muscular tension. Some muscular tension is inevitable, especially in the weight-bearing leg. But in general, the idea is to keep muscles as RELAXED as possible, even when they are being exerted. Then the flow of mind-intent and chi is not impeded.
**
It's important to have a set of exercises that can be done EVERY DAY, regardless of weather. So there is no excuse NOT to exercise on a particular day!
Exercises that can be done indoors, or outdoors. Exercises that don't require any special clothing, equipment, or special setting.
One should have a set of core exercises which can be done indoors, and outdoors in all kinds of weather, during every season.
One doesn't need a lot of different types of exercises, just some one knows how to do very well, almost without thinking. Just keep doing them, over and over, as a regular habit, during every season, indoors and outdoors. Not just during good weather. During bad weather also. Helps acclimatize the body to all sorts of weather changes. Strengthens body's endurance, and ability to adapt to all types of external weather conditions.
Stale indoor air, full of carbon dioxide, can make one sleepy. It's important to "air out the body" regularly by exercising outdoors and breathing fresh air.
I always feel better, "more alive," after I exercise - - especially outdoors, in fresh air.
I began doing some of these exercises when I was a teenager. I've continued doing many of these deep-breathing, chi circulating (Chi Kung type) exercises, on a daily basis, for 40+ years now. I turned 57 at the end of April 2008.
These daily exercises continue to help keep me healthy, flexible, and full of energy.
ChiGuy396
ChiGuy396@yahoo.com
**
Loading...
3:23
EXERCISES FOR ALL SEASONS: Cloud Hands Tai Chiby ChiGuy3962,966 views
you flow
PoochDoobie 3 years ago