Why Tai Chi Could be the Answer

Consider Tai Chi if you are looking for a way to reduce stress, recover and restore your body’s natural balance. Originally created for self-defense, tai chi has become a graceful type of workout that is now used to reduce stress and help recovery from other physcial difficulties. Often defined as in-course meditation, tai chi encourages peace by gentle, flowing motions.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is based in traditional Chinese culture, practiced today as a graceful type of physical meditation. It includes the slow, concentrated and profound motions. Tai chi is a noncompetitive, self-serving physical exercise and stretching routine, also called tai chi chuan. Every posture flows without pause into the next one, making sure your body is moving constantly.  Tai chi has a lot of styles. Subtly, different principles and techniques can be emphasized in each style. In each style there are differences. Some styles may concentrate on health, while others concentrate on tai chi's martial arts aspect.

Who Should Try Tai Chi?

Tai Chi has a low impact and minimizes stress on muscles and joints, making it safe for all ages and fitness levels in general. In fact, it can be particularly suitable if you are a elderly adult who can not otherwise practice because Tai Chi is a low impact exercise. Tai chi is also appealing because it is cheap and no special equipment is required. Tai chi can be done almost anywhere; indoors or outdoors.

Introduction to Tai Chi at Peak Performance Float

What is tai chi?  For Julian, it's simply a relaxed way of responding to whatever life throws at you - literally and figuratively.  "Introduction to tai chi" is a stress-free entry point into the system of principles, movements, and breathing techniques which prepare our minds and bodies to allow the relaxed response.  This is a great class for absolute beginners, regardless of physical ability and age. Expect to practice some gentle movements and discuss how to incorporate simple concepts into our daily routines.  Tai chi has a lot in common with yoga, and this class will complement the other offerings on the Peak Performance Float and Wellness Center schedule. For those who wish to go deeper, there is unlimited depth to explore.

Introducing Julian Rose, Tai Chi Instructor at Peak Performance Float

Julian believes that having fun and not taking yourself too seriously is a good way to approach tai chi - and life.  The guiding principle of his practice is to: "sink the chi and raise the spirit." He is dedicated to preserving the classic principles of tai chi, while exploring points of tangency those principles share with other meditative arts and philosophies.  A Bay Area native, Julian has been practicing tai chi for about ten years, studying with Jan Diepersloot and Master Sam Tam. He found tai chi after a debilitating injury in high school left him without the use of his right leg. The slow gentle movements of tai chi, and the emphasis on balance through relaxation, helped Julian regain full use of his leg and discover a deep connection to the internal martial arts along the way.  Julian lives in Benicia, is fluent in Japanese, and enjoys spending his free time with his 7-year old daughter.

Yoga Class at Peak Performance Float 

We believe yoga is an essential tool to maintaining and enhancing your overall well-being. Peak Performance Float yoga classes are small, caring and full of friendly people which help to create an intimate environment to relax and restore your mind and body. Learn more about our amazing yoga teachers here, check our weekly yoga class schedule here, and  sign up online for a class here.  Your body, mind and spirit will thank you for it!  New students enjoy two weeks unlimited classes for