I could not disagree more. This is not an accurate view of Tai Chi. If you look at members of the Chen family (who created Tai Chi and taught Yang Luchan, who created Yang style), their legs are like tree trunks. Muscular strength is crucial to do Tai Chi properly. Only with proper muscular strength can you achieve skill. Otherwise, you're doing the watered down version. I'm 57 years old and have practiced martial arts for 37 years and I have trained with members of the Chen family and their disciples. During the past 37 years, I've become quite an expert on what is necessary, and weight training is absolutely essential for men and women -- it makes you stronger, healthier, enables you to burn calories better, and provides you with a foundation of strength in the event you become ill (it can happen as you get older). Tai Chi is no different than any other sport. Soft and well-stretched muscles won't get you very far. You don't have to be muscle-bound like a body-builder, but stronger muscles are NEVER a bad idea. Weight-training is essential for health.
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I could not disagree more. This is not an accurate view of Tai Chi. If you look at members of the Chen family (who created Tai Chi and taught Yang Luchan, who created Yang style), their legs are like tree trunks. Muscular strength is crucial to do Tai Chi properly. Only with proper muscular strength can you achieve skill. Otherwise, you're doing the watered down version. I'm 57 years old and have practiced martial arts for 37 years and I have trained with members of the Chen family and their disciples. During the past 37 years, I've become quite an expert on what is necessary, and weight training is absolutely essential for men and women -- it makes you stronger, healthier, enables you to burn calories better, and provides you with a foundation of strength in the event you become ill (it can happen as you get older). Tai Chi is no different than any other sport. Soft and well-stretched muscles won't get you very far. You don't have to be muscle-bound like a body-builder, but stronger muscles are NEVER a bad idea. Weight-training is essential for health.
April 28, 2010 - 9:49amThis Comment
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