Embrace Tree 70/30 Right Leg Forward Stance Tai Chi Chuan form, left side view - 11/01/08 (Autumn)
I'm always looking for ways to exercise in a very limited amount of space (like in front of my TV, or in front of my computer monitor), and improve my tai chi skills at the same time.
In the evenings, several hours after dinnertime, I usually watch TV, or browse the Internet, or watch DVDs or YouTube videos on my computer monitor. Instead of sitting down all that time while watching a movie, or a TV show, or news program, I try to make use of this time in front of a monitor to do some exercises (preferably related to Tai Chi). Burn calories. Keep my joints flexible. Circulate chi throughout my body. Stay fit. Don't gain weight, as I get older. Don't become obese (with all the attendant consequences of greater susceptibility to degenerative diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc). Keep expensive doctors away.
I find that Prof Cheng Manching's 37 Posture Tai Chi Chuan Form
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8P-ZCG1ysDo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=USJPmCZ6Efc
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sjV9bx9unxQ
lends itself to many compact variations which I can do in a very limited amount of space (like in front of my TV, or computer).
Many of the exercises I do regularly require only a few feet of floor space, just enough to position my feet in a 70/30 forward stance, or in a feet-parallel, shoulder-width stance. Or a wide horse stance. Or a heels together V-feet stance.
I especially like the 70/30 forward stance, the basic posture used in Tai Chi Push Hands practice. This stance allows me to "swing and sway" from one leg to the other in uninterrupted, continuous cycles, turning my upper body to the right and to the left "like a millstone."
Once I start shifting my weight from one leg to the other in a 70/30 forward stance, I can keep "swinging and swaying" like this throughout an entire 2-hour movie.
This exercise of continuously "swinging and swaying" back and forth from a 70/30 forward stance to all weight on the back leg helps develop very strong legs, good posture, structural integrity, flexibility, excellent mind-body coordination, and endurance. The smooth, flowing "move like a river" movements condition and prepare the entire body to endure long push hands sessions with many partners that can last for several hours.
When the entire weight of the body is repeatedly positioned over the back leg with the knee of that leg well-bent, the thigh muscles of that leg begin to "burn" from the exertion. They get a great workout. They become very strong.
By taking turns positioning the right leg forward for a while, then switching the 70/30 stance to left leg forward, I work out both legs. Usually, the back leg gets the more intense workout because it supports 100% of the weight of the body whenever the front leg is "empty" and can be picked up off the floor. When weight shifts onto the front leg in the 70/30 stance, the front leg carries 70% of the body weight; 30% is still supported by the back leg.
During tai chi practice, if I can support my total body weight completely on my back leg, then I can pick up my front leg - - to avoid a sweeping leg motion from an opponent, or to initiate a kick, or a stomp, or a tripping motion.
By doing the entire sequence of the 37 Posture Tai Chi Chuan form while shifting my weight back and forth in a 70/30 stance, I practice powering each movement in the form from either the right leg, or from the left leg; from either the back leg, or from the front leg. When my left leg is the forward leg, the movements of the 37 Posture Tai Chi Chuan form flow one way. When my right leg is the forward leg, the movements flow a different way. I keep changing from right leg forward to left leg forward to vary the workout.
Another very important benefit: the constant back and forth motion of the waist, coordinated with deep abdominal breathing, massages the intestines and internal organs, and promotes excellent digestion and regularity of bowel movements. As a result of doing this exercise daily, I hardly ever suffer from constipation. In addition to all the other benefits, this "swinging and swaying" exercise is a great natural laxative.
ChiGuy396
ChiGuy396@yahoo.com
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ChiGuy396 3 years ago
i just go with my spiritual flow is that alright?but iseem to feel my palms hot even as im typing this down for no reason as if it was some weird invisible flame what it feels like? its been long minutes and i still feel it?please respond?it took less than 2-3 minutes to feel it but has lasted over 15 minutes still feel it ? is that how its suppost to feel?please respond!thnx
elchamuco2012 3 years ago