Tai chi: A gentle way to fight stress

Tai chi helps reduce stress and anxiety. And it also helps increase flexibility and balance.

If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, consider tai chi (TIE-CHEE). Originally developed for self-defense, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai chi has many different styles. Each style may have its own subtle emphasis on various tai chi principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of tai chi.

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

You may also find tai chi appealing because it's inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group.

Although tai chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying tai chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.

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Originally posted here:
Tai chi: A gentle way to fight stress - Mayo Clinic

Celeb moms and moms-to-be love getting in their pregnancy as post-partum fitness: and yoga is a great way to work out, calm down, and get some quality stretching in without putting too much stress on their bodies! From beginners to total pros, check out the pics of which celeb mommies love yoga!

Hilaria Baldwinwas a yoga instructor long before she became pregnant with her now 4-month old daughter,Carmen, so its no surprise that she continued to practice yoga while she was pregnant, and snapped right back into doing impressively difficult moves mere weeks after giving birth! SupermodelGisele Bundchenmakes yoga a family affair, and teaches her kids how to get fit!

Yoga extraordinaire Hilaria Baldwin showed off her perfect bikini bod mere months after giving birth and she has her dedication to yoga to thank for it! The 29 year-old mom to little Carmen was snapped doing a headstand on the beach and we must say even for a die hard yogi like Hilaria, that is impressive!

Carmen is already learning to copy her moms yoga moves, and the little tot seems to be well on her way to be a full-fledged yogi!

Vivian Brady seems to be the best yoga buddy as she assists mom Gisele Bundchen in getting into the perfect yoga poses: we love that the mommy-daughter duo gets fit together, but Gisele makes workouts a family affair: like his sister Vivian,Benjamin Bradyenjoys joining in on yoga workouts. In one of Giseles gorgeous photos, the four-year-old is seen striking the same pose as his supermodel mom as the two enjoy a beautiful sunset while on the beach.

Drew Barrymore is keeping fit during her second pregnancy. The soon-to-be second-time mom was seen prepping for a workout as she was spotted wearing boyfriend jeans, a creme sweater, face-framing sunglasses with yoga mat in tow: total gym chic!

Yogas great exercise, and its easy to stick with during pregnancy. With most exercise the rule of thumb is if your doing it, like if youve been running your entire life, you can still run. With yoga, you can start because, especially pre natal classes is a little gentler, and its just so good for pregnancy, Alanna Zabel of Aziam Yoga told HollywoodLife.comEXCLUSIVELY.Its so good for the baby, good for your health, your mind but not a level 3 or 4 class, I would definitely avoid that.

So whats the buzz about new mommy yoga all about? Women who are going through gestation and having a child, they love the support of other mommies and they all wanna talk about what theyre going through, that no one else unless you had a baby would be able to talk about, Alanna explained. The community is really tight; you get to talk to other moms about whats going on, and why are these strange things happening to my body. They just feel a really good sense of support.

Tell us,HollyMoms do you practice yoga?

Stephanie Sengwe & Kristine Hope Kowalski

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Hilaria Baldwin, Gisele Bundchen & More Celeb Moms Who Love Yoga