Tai Chi Rooting
The 5 Secrets of Tai Chi Rooting
Tai Chi Rooting develops the leg strength and improves muscle tone.
At the same time, it strengthens the lower back and improves balance.
Rooting helps you to move smoothly like water in a country stream. To
move your body gracefully and smoothly requires the knowledge of
shifting the weight from one leg to the other. Walking requires the same
action. In fact, just after a few weeks, you’ll find walking easier,
and you’ll feel lighter on your feet.
Shifting the Weight
Shifting the weight helps you move gracefully and smoothly from one move to the next. You’ll learn how to gradually bend your knee and place the weight on it as you extend and straightened the other leg and remove all the weight. You do this by keeping the back straight, and your weight is always center. Many older people fall or lose balance because they do not know how to shift their weight properly.
Stretching the Ankle
As you practice Tai Chi rooting, we always stretch back on the empty leg (the leg without weight) and raise the toes off the ground as far as possible. This simple action stretches the ankle and increases the blood flow to the foot. It also increases the flexibility in the calf.
Tones the Legs
By learning this weight management, you’ll develop strength and flexibility leg muscles. The simple action of gently bending the knee and shifting the weight from leg to another strengthens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. That is different from developing your legs from running or weightlifting because it works on the muscles inner fibers to maintain proper blood flow and inner fiber strength.
Develops Balance
Balance is a cornerstone of Tai Chi. Don’t worry if you think that you do not have good balance. Tai Chi teaches you how to manage your weight properly. Once your body learns weight management, you’ll always have great balance. You accomplish weight management by keeping your weight centered with your body. With the simple techniques, you’ll master this principle in just a few short lessons.
Strengthens the Back
Poor posture usually causes back pain due to weak abdominal muscles. Tai Chi teaches you how to maintain a centered position that strengthens your core. Along with Tai Chi breathing, you develop strong internal organs and gently strengthen your abdominal muscles without harsh exercises like sit-ups, etc.
Improved Flexibility
“I would like to express my appreciation and thanks for the benefits I have already noticed due to my participation in the Tai Chi class. I have experienced an improvement in my flexibility. I am now able to do things which were not possible in the last three years due to pain from arthritis. Thanks!
