Aqua Tai Chi (Ai Chi)

Water Tai Chi (Ai Chi) is a water exercise and relaxation program that helps you to enjoy the water in a flowing yet powerful progression. Yes, the name Ai Chi very closely resembles Tai Chi, yet it is different in some forms and has a different viewpoint from therapeutic perspective.

Ai Chi is a water movement and relaxation program that has been created to help aquatic practitioners and clients enjoy the water in a flowing yet powerful progression. It is an efficient exercise program that increases oxygen and caloric consumption simply with correct form and positioning in the water. This is a perfect relaxation technique for highly stressed, over-challenged clients, and it is ideal for creating improved range of motion, balance and mobility.

It is an aquatic technique that can be used with groups or one-on-one and will expand the practitioners’ range. While some protocols can be used with only a specific population group, Ai Chi has been successfully used with pain management, arthritis, fibromyalgia, COPD, diabetes, MS, amputee, paraplegic, etc. and with neurological and orthopedic diagnoses and balance deficits.

Participants are introduced to basic concepts of “Eastern Thought” such as circular movement, breath control, tranquility and moving with nature.

Ai Chi increases oxygen and caloric consumption simply with correct form and positioning in the water. It is a perfect relaxation technique for highly stressed, over-challenged clients, and it is ideal for creating improved range of motion and mobility.

It was created by combining Tai-Chi concepts with Shiatsu, QiGong, and Watsu techniques and is performed standing in shoulder depth water using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso. It is a unique form of healing and therapeutic rehabilitation therapy.

The water’s buoyancy and three dimensional resistance allows people to move in ways that can help best meet their individual fitness needs and prepare their body for daily activities.

With Ai Chi your aim is to strengthen lower extremities, trunk and back muscles by using water’s resistance to improve muscular strength and endurance.

Incorporate the inherent properties of the principles of Tai Chi and Qi Gong to enhance, develop and expand the mind-body connection.

Do a mix of moves inspired by martial arts, karate, kick boxing and boxing practised in water for 45 minutes, whilst doing an aerobic workout and taking advantage of a hydromassage.

Aqua Tai Chi is practiced in the water because it provides several benefits:

1. Perfect relaxation technique for highly stressed, over-challenged people.
2. Ideal for creating improved range of motion and mobility.
3. Water helps you learn certain helpful breathing techniques
4. Water supports your weight making exercising easy and relaxing.
5. Increases oxygen and caloric consumption through correct form and positioning.
6. Water provides gentle resistance to movement which eases strain on tender joints and develops muscle strength.

Begin with easy Tai Chi movements because they are so gentle, stress relieving and easy to do. Go through the whole form, then relax by the pool.

     

Clothing Tip

Made from quick drying nylon fabric, these Ai Chi suits feel very soft and comfortable when wet. They give a slight resistance to your movements in the water.