Low Impact Mind-body Exercises
Mind-body exercises, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates, have gained popularity over the past few decades, given the increasing number of studies on the positive effects of these gentler forms of exercise—everything from lowering blood pressure and managing depression to building strength and improving balance.
Tai chi, Pilates, and Yoga are low-impact activities with great health benefits. They focus on improving balance and core strength and are activities accessible to everyone, no matter their age or ability.
Besides easing the symptoms of various health conditions, they’re particularly popular because building strength and balance can reduce the risk of falling.
There’s evidence that suggests tai chi, Pilates, and yoga can be beneficial if you have the following:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- aches and pains, including some types of arthritis
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
QI offers the opportunity to attend Tai Chi, Pilates, and Yoga class with a trained instructor to find out which exercise is more suitable for you.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient exercise based on performing different poses or postures.
Yoga is excellent for helping to build strength and flexibility. It also focuses on breathing, which can boost physical and mental well-being.
Yoga can help improve balance by strengthening muscles in the lower body, particularly the knees, ankles, and hips.
There are many different styles of yoga, the most common being Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Sivananda. Some types are more intense than others. They tend to have a separate area of emphasis, like posture or breathing. No style is necessarily better than any other.
QI offers a variety of styles, allowing students to find the appropriate class to suit different ability levels.
Satyananda is a traditional form of yoga. It features gentle poses, deep relaxation, and meditation, making it suitable for beginners and anyone primarily seeking stress reduction.
Hatha yoga is also a reasonably gentle way to relieve stress and is suitable for beginners.
Power yoga, with its intense poses and focus on fitness, is better suited to those looking for stimulation and relaxation.
Tai chi
Tai chi is a self-paced, non-competitive series of slow, flowing body movements. These movements emphasize concentration, relaxation, and the conscious circulation of vital energy throughout the body.
Though tai chi has its roots in martial arts, today, it is primarily practiced as a health-promoting, low-impact activity, calming the mind, conditioning the body, and reducing stress. As in meditation, tai chi practitioners focus on their breathing.
Research has suggested that tai chi can help:
- reduce stress levels
- improve balance
- increase muscle strength in your legs
- improve general mobility and flexibility
Evidence shows that tai chi may help you live a longer, more vital life.
Tai chi is a safe, low-impact option for people of all ages and fitness levels, including older adults and those recovering from injuries.
Pilates
Pilates aims to strengthen the overall body. The emphasis is on improving general fitness and well-being. It can be done on a mat or with resistance equipment for building strength.
The health benefits of Pilates are thought to include improved:
- posture
- muscle toning
- balance
- mobility
