Tens of millions of people, both old and young, practice Tai Chi in China and
Chinatowns all around the globe. Researchers have found that long term practice
of Tai Chi has favourable effects on balance control, flexibility,
cardiovascular fitness and also a reduced risk of falls in the elderly. Tai Chi
routines are slow and do not involve the use of weights. This makes it
especially ideal for the elderly. Studies by the Oregon Research Institute has
shown that Tai Chi offers the greatest benefit to older men and women who are
healthy but relatively inactive.
Improved cardiovascular and respiratory functions have been found in healthy
subjects as well as those who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery.
Those who suffer from heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks,
arthritis and multiple sclerosis have all benefited from Tai Chi.
A surprising fact about the slow and gentle low impact movements of Tai Chi is
that is has been proven to burn more calories than surfing and skiing.
There are a variety of types in Tai Chi. Most of them begin with a series of
controlled movements or forms. Some of the types have fanciful names like
Grasping the Sparrow's Tail or Repulse the Monkey. There are many books from
which information may be sourced. There are also a growing number of
recreational centres, health clubs and residential organisation who conduct Tai
Chi sessions each day.Tai Chi is flexible in allowing participants to
practice at their own pace. An added benefit is the enlarging of one's social
circle. The lack of urgency in the movements is of special appeal for the
elderly. This also means that there is no risk of injuries to life, limb or
creaky joints. Intense focus is combined with slow elegant movements that
improve agility, strength and balance.
The actual benefit of following a routine of Tai Chi will only be evident
after several months of continuous practice. But the enhanced health can
translate into a whole new lifestyle. When people start to feel healthier and
better, they naturally become more active in their daily life.
One expert in chronic disease prevention opines that a combination of Tai Chi
and walking would be a good mix. The most promising fact about Tai Chi is that
the practitioners enjoy performing it. This brings the promise of continuity and
its long term benefits.
It is indeed easy to tell people to make exercise a part of their daily
routine. What is difficult is telling them what to do in the name of exercise.
There is a valid reason for this. People's tastes differ. Some may like rigorous
physical exertion that leaves them breathless and sweating heavily. Others may
have reasons not to like this or not to be able to like this. One's age and
state of health are important factors. A healthy youngster may take up long
distance running. An elderly or sickly person may not last running a long
distance.
Tai Chi is perfect for almost everybody because it requires no heavy physical
exertion, has no religious connotations and is proven to improve health when
done on a regular basis. Further investigation into Tai Chi may throw up greater
details, including the fact that there is nothing in it that may be considered
controversial in any manner. |
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Answer the following questions using complete
sentences |
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1. |
From paragraph 1, how popular
is Tai Chi ? |
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2. |
(a) From paragraph 2, what
are the effects of Tai Chi on people with cardiovascular and respiratory
problems ?
(b) From paragraph 2, what
was the effect of Tai Chi on persons who had had coronary artery bypass
surgery ? |
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3. |
(a) From paragraph 5, what is the
flexibility inherent in Tai Chi ?
(b) From paragraph 5, what are the
two factors that make Tai Chi attractive to the elderly ? |
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4. |
(a) From paragraph 8, what
are the important factors to be considered when planning an exercise
regime ?
(b) From paragraph 8, mention
the factors that make Tai Chi an ideal choice for everybody. |
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5. |
What is the special characteristic
of Tai Chi that makes it ideal to improve ones health ?
Characteristic : ___________
Reason : ____________ |
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6. |
Based on the passage, write a
summary of :
• The importance of having an
exercise regimen
• The superiority of Tai Chi
as a choice of an exercise regimen |
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| Answers |
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1. |
Every single day over ten
million people practice Tai Chi. It is indeed quite popular. |
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2. |
(a) Cardiovascular and
respiratory functions were found to have improved after regular Tai Chi.
(b) Their cardiovascular and
respiratory functions improved. |
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3. |
(a) Tai Chi can be practiced
at the participant's own pace.
(b)
(i) There is the lack of
urgency in the movements.
(ii) There is no risk of
injuries to life, limb or creaky joints. |
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4. |
(a) One's age and state of
health are the important factors to be considered.
(b) It requires no heavy
physical exertion, has no religious connotations and is proven it
improve health when done on a regular basis. |
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5. |
Characteristic: The special
characteristic of Tai Chi is that it brings the benefit of rigorous
exercise by being performed in an unhurried manner. Besides, it is ideal
for people of all ages.
Reason : Studies have been
cited which proved that cardiovascular and respiratory functions were
improved by Tai Chi, even in heart patients. Heart patients, it may be
noted, are people who are specifically advised against over exerting
themselves. |
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6. |
Tai Chi has universal appeal
because it is ideal for people of all ages. Urban life is typified by a
lack of physical exertion as compared to life in rural villages. The
importance of exercise to maintain health is a proven fact. Tai Chi
involves no physical exertion as would be imagined by the word exercise.
It is done at one's own pace. There is no need to keep up with others.
Involving gently paced movements, it is ideal for heart patients, the
elderly, the sickly as well as the healthy. There are no controversial
factors in the origin of Tai Chi that may stand as a hurdle for the
religious minded. With more than 10 million enthusiasts doing it all
over the world, it has a track record that is completely clean and
effective. |
