Choose the right environment
A safe, and comfortable setting will also make it easier to focus on your movement, posture, and overall experience, especially when you’re just starting out. Quinn says: “Walking outside or on a treadmill are both suitable options. The longevity of your exercise is heavily dependent on the right environment so choose wisely or even recruit a friend to support you.”
Focus on your breathing
Controlled breathing is central to Tai Chi walking. “It helps you connect mind and body, encourages relaxation, and enhances the stress-reducing benefits of the practice,” Quinn explains. “The mind controls the body and the breath controls the mind. To obtain the cardiovascular, mindfulness benefits and spiritual benefits of Tai Chi walking focus on your breathing as much as your walking technique.”
The health benefits of Tai Chi walking
Tai Chi walking offers a range of physical and mental health benefits, while standing out from other low-impact exercises through its focus on mindful movement and body awareness, per the expert. The technique can:
Improve posture and alignment
By focusing on how the body moves, Quinn says Tai Chi walking helps correct posture and encourages more efficient, natural movement.
Help assist weight loss
Quinn also says that Tai Chi walking is a great way of burning calories and is a low-impact and accessible form of exercise for weight loss.
Reduce joint strain
“The walking technique helps loosen and mobilise making movement more comfortable and over time easing pressure on the joints during walking and everyday movement,” he says.
Enhance balance and stability
Inspired by Tai Chi principles, the walking method also promotes better lower body and single leg strength, as well as better coordination, balance and stability which results in improved overall locomotion. “It can, therefore, help the elderly and less mobile by helping to prevent falls,” Quinn adds.
Support stress reduction
The mindful, meditative aspect, combined with controlled breathing, helps calm the mind and reduce stress.
Boost overall fitness & strength
As a low-impact exercise, it can additionally improve endurance, physical strength and general fitness without placing excessive strain on the body.
Aid rehabilitation and recovery
“Its gentle, accessible and adaptable nature makes it suitable for those recovering from illness or injury,” Quinn notes.
Encourage mind-body connection
Finally, it provides an opportunity to engage the mind, body, and spirit, increasing awareness of movement and physical responses.
