I think it's easy for some of us to have the idea that, if we can't run six-minute miles, or knock out 55 push-ups in a minute, there's no real point in exercising. That overlooks the fact that it takes starting at a lower level to achieve those results, genius! I have been guilty of this type of thinking myself, sometimes not wanting to exercise if I wasn't physically running near 100%.
Unfortunately, as we age, the times when we don't feel in
peak condition are going to increase, and if we don't exercise anyway, we're going to be in even worse condition- it's a continual cycle. My back has not reacted well to my volunteering to be on baggage detail for the ride back to the States in October. I am not used to feeling fragile, I'm used to feeling like a
pocket battleship, punching well out of my weight class. Still, doing nothing would mean I would just get flabby and even less robust, so what to do?
Tai Chi is one of the best exercise routines to add to fitness regimens for almost every age and fitness level. If the practitioner is at a poor fitness level, Tai Chi can safely increase core strength, gently increase flexibility, and dramatically improve balance. If the user is already very fit, Tai Chi will enhance fitness, increasing balance and muscle control. I've had a few Tai Chi videos, but the Matthew Cohen video is a really good introductory one, easily adaptable for more or less effort, not too complicated, and presented in a thoughtful but down to earth manner. Click the picture for the DVD, or follow
this link for the downloadable version.