One Leg Balance Most people can stand on one leg, but the ability changes a lot with age — and that’s actually expected. The short answer: yes, everyone benefits from practicing one‑leg balance, but no, it’s not realistic to expect the same performance at every age. 🧠 Key takeaway Balance naturally declines with age, especially after 60, but being able to stand on one leg for some amount of time is considered a meaningful marker of lower-body strength, proprioception, and fa

Review these short videos about different breathing techniques. You may have concerns about COPD, digestive issues, anxiety, or maybe a desire to improve your tai chi/qi gong practice. There are a lot of claims and unreliable sources when it comes to any kind of exercise in the world of the internet, SO, as usual consult with your doctor. The posted videos are to the best of my knowledge from reliable sources. What style of breathing is best for the issue you want to addre

Time and time again this website asks (begs) you to consult with your doctor or medical professional before making medical/diet/exercise decisions. We also know that you just can't help yourself. You are going to use Google or AI or a chatbot and possibly be directed to questionable sources. This directory serves as a comprehensive reference across a broad spectrum of health conditions and specialties. Each listed organization is a recognized nonprofit entity dedicated to ad

I have a few issues with AI. It's threefold. First of all, the commercials streaming on social media are a new version of an old problem. This article from the New York Times details the AI produced supplement advertisements that we all see if we consume any media. The second issue came to light on the dashboard of this website. It shows me how the site has been "scraped" by a particular foreign country for their own AI. It shows me that it has been accessed by domestic AI.

Watch Jackie as she demonstrates Moving for Better balance at the YMCA. Turn up the volume to catch the music and hear the directions! Learn about Moving for Better Balance on the Balance Page. https://www.bcalmbzen.com/taichi/moving-for-better-balance This class or a version of it is offered at YMCA locations across the country for free. You don't need to be a member of the Y. If your Y doesn't offer this class, request it and they will bring in a specially trained instr

Here is a chart that is a conversation starter between you and your doctor or dietician. It's not our recommendations, it's a start for a meaningful conversation with a medical provider that knows you, your medical conditions or lack of conditions (including allergies), your amount of physical activity (or lack of) and your personal needs. It's not an all inclusive list, it's a conversation starter. "Doctor, talk to me about an anti-inflammatory diet. Does it matter? I came

Get started with your exercise of choice while sitting in a chair. The only equipment you need is a sturdy armless chair (no wheels) and a phone, tablet or laptop to watch and follow the videos. Once you become familiar with the routines, you won't need the videos, just some relaxing music. Peace #chairyoga #chairtaichi #chairgigong

Meditation From the John Hopkins Mindfulness Program: a sample posted here from their guided meditation programs. More information, audio and video can be found here. Visit the Calm page on this site for links to the UCLA program and 8 audio selections with direct access (without commercial) for free. 2 1/2 minutes 1 of 3 videos 2 of 3 3 of 3 2 Minute Guided Meditation Peace #meditation #mindfulness #guidedmeditation #calm

Senior Group Tai Chi In case you missed it: If you or a loved one are 65+ or disabled (45+) did you know that the YMCA offers free Moving for Better Balance classes across the United States? You do not need to be a member of the Y to join this class. The entire class can be performed from a sitting position. with a chair for stability or standing without any assistance. "Moving For Better Balance is a 12-week evidence-based group exercise program developed by researchers at

This is an introduction to a simple qigong exercise for your morning routine.

Tai chi is such a wonderful martial art with so many benefits. Unfortunately, YouTube, Google, streaming commercials, books and more are flooding the zone with AI produced commercials and impossible claims. This blogger has always, for free, sifted through the videos and books to provide my readers with suggestions to review honest and proven recommendations. To sign up for a tai chi walking class via an AI commercial may buy nothing but pain. An introductory charge could en

If you are bored with your tai chi or qi gong practice, you've forgotten what makes a practice worthwhile. It's time to review the tai chi Principles. It takes a lifetime to come close to perfection, so don't fool yourself into thinking that you don't need to work on every Principle. Pick one to start and as you become more confident, choose another. The Principles are explained here. Move on to the Four Main Energies. If you would like a pep talk, not flashy but helpful, wa

I can't start my day without a cup of coffee or two cups. Or three cups. It is also followed by a stomach ache, but not bad enough to end my coffee habit. Should I change brands of ground coffee or explore the organic whole bean route? I decided to try an organic brand and also do some research. Let's start with grind sizes and then compare organic vs non-organic. ☕ Coffee Grind Sizes & When to Use Them 🧂 1. Extra Coarse Texture: Like rock salt or peppercorn fragments Best

Here’s a clear, practical guide to choosing a good Tai Chi or yoga instructor —the kind of process that helps you feel confident, safe, and supported in your practice. I’ll break it into steps you can actually use, whether you’re evaluating someone online or in person. 🌿 How to Choose a Good Tai Chi or Yoga Instructor 1. Check Their Training and Credentials A strong instructor doesn’t need a wall of certificates, but they should have: Formal training in a recognized lineage

If you are a beginner or even if you practiced Qi Gong or Tai Chi for a while, you may not understand the difference between them. Some instructors mix them together with qi gong as a warm up and cool down with tai chi as the main exercise. The following video provides a good explanation. Calming qigong for beginners. The most detailed chi walking video we could find. It's a long video! Our favorite version of chi walking. Starts at 3.:33. Easiest to follow and a great way to

A blended approach is a smart way to build a Tai Chi practice—especially for someone who values back‑friendly movement , clear structure , and confidence‑building teaching . You get the gentleness and joint‑protection of Sun Style plus the flowing, expressive qualities of Yang Style without overloading your spine. A discussion with a Sun style and a Yang style instructor, followed by a discussion with your physician can help you determine the best way to protect your back wh

Follow along with Diane at Open the Door to Tai Chi and learn about "posture." To get the most out of your practice, the principles must be your guide. Peace #taichi #posture #yangstyle24form

Chen Tai Chi traces back to the Chen family of Chenjiagou, where Chen Wangting (17th century) synthesized: • Existing Chen family martial arts • Daoist philosophy • Qigong, Daoyin, and meridian theory • Long Fist routines and Cannon Fist forms All other major Tai Chi styles — Yang, Wu, Wu (Hao), Sun — ultimately descend from Chen. This video demonstrates the Chen 74 form, preformed in a park in the usual way that tai chi is practiced in China - outdoors, in a park. The fo

Here’s a breakdown of how the U.S. food pyramid has changed , based on the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (1/7/2026). These updates represent the biggest shift in federal nutrition advice in decades, and the pyramid itself has been completely inverted . What does this mean? It means that a solid discussion with your health care provider is in order. Your doctor or dietician can explain what these changes mean for you, especially if the pyramid is s

Even though the actual oxygen fraction in air stays 20.9% , the effective oxygen available to your body decreases with altitude because air pressure drops. Refer to the chart and recommendations. Talk about this with your health care professional before you start an exercise program or plan to exercise in a new location. 🌬️ Oxygen Concentration by Altitude Oxygen tables from Higher Peak and FlyMall: Altitude (ft) Effective Oxygen % 0 ft 20.9% 1,000 ft 20.1% 2,000 ft 19.4%