Which one is suitable for women, yoga or Tai Chi

In fact, there is no absolute "more suitable" option. The suitable groups of these two sports overlap and have differences. Instead of worrying about which one to choose, it is better to first understand your physical condition and sports demands.

When I helped my sister refer to sports events two years ago, I made a special effort to do homework. I also asked many friends around me who practiced these two sports, and my feelings were quite obvious. Let me talk about a 27-year-old girl in my department. She sits in the office every day with her breasts hunched over, and she also has mild scoliosis. Last year, she signed up for a private yoga class near her home. She started practicing the most basic Mountain Pose and Cat-Cow Pose. After half a year, not only did her back straighten up, but she also had a straight back after the change of seasons. She seldom suffers from shoulder and neck pain. She feels that yoga is much friendlier to her than Tai Chi. After all, the introductory postures can adjust the amplitude according to her flexibility. Unlike when she tried to do Tai Chi before, she always couldn't find the right feeling of exertion, and her legs were shaking after standing for half an hour.

But the 50-year-old Aunt Zhang downstairs in my house had the opposite view. She had trouble sleeping during menopause a few years ago and had degenerative lesions in her knees. At first, she also practiced yoga with the little sisters. She couldn't do many kneeling postures and downward dog movements. One time she stretched her legs hard and strained a ligament. Later, she followed the little sisters. The District Tai Chi team practiced the simplified twenty-four poses for more than three months. Not only did the quality of sleep improve, but the knees that used to hurt when going up and down the stairs also became much more comfortable. She always said that Tai Chi really fits the logic of health care for ordinary people. There is no need to force yourself to do difficult movements, and the whole body can be relaxed after doing a set slowly.

In fact, the two factions quarreling on the Internet now have their own reasons. Most of the people who think yoga is more suitable are young girls who go to get in shape and adjust their posture. After all, yoga does have faster effects on sculpting muscle lines and improving flexibility. Many gyms It also has strong social attributes, and it looks good when you take a photo with a hair tie after practicing. Most of those who do Tai Chi are people who value overall conditioning. They feel that Tai Chi’s way of exerting force is gentler, puts less pressure on joints, takes into account breathing and thoughts during practice, and has a more lasting soothing effect on emotions.

Speaking of it, I have been practicing both on and off for several years, and I feel that the difference between the two is a bit like drinking freshly squeezed fruit tea and drinking warm boiled tea. One has more flavor and a low threshold for acceptance, while the other is light but moist, and it is completely comfortable to drink it. If you have no old injuries in your joints and want to improve your posture and get tighter lines, you are right to choose yoga; if you are prone to anxiety and have joint strain, and you want to find slow exercise to maintain your health, Tai Chi may surprise you. There is no standard answer that is suitable for all women.