Why is posture important?

One of the mainstays in Tai Chi practice is the correction of posture. When I first started studying Tai Chi, I was frustrated by the fact that my Teacher spent so much time stopping the class and going around each student, correcting their posture. I wanted to learn about the self defence. I wanted to get to the secrets and inner workings of the art - not playing around like that.

Over the years, I have come to understand that correct posture and alignment is not only a core requirement of Tai Chi, but also a medical necessity.

Correct posture enables you to use your body swiftly and efficiently, without excess strain. It allows you to transmit power to every part of the body without injury:

Correct posture also prevents chronic conditions like Hyperkyphosis. When you are correctly aligned, you are much less likely to get whole host of complaints like back/neck pain, muscle fatigue, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle, knee and hip problems. Poor posture also results in compression of the internal organs and wasting away of important muscle groups.

People with Hyperkyphosis (a hunched posture), are 2 times more likely to die from lung problems and 2.4 times more likely to die from Atherosclerosis than those with normal posture. Hyperkyphosis sufferers are 1.44 times more likely to die of any cause than those with healthy posture.

So the answer is clear. Posture is vital for every aspect of Tai Chi, and also for extending and enhancing quality of life to it's optimum.

See you at the class,

Richard