Live Whole Health #190: Are you sitting down?

Are you glued to your chair all day? Feeling stiff and lethargic? Just because you’re seated doesn’t mean you can’t move your body. And moving the body has countless health benefits.

Being active reduces the risks of long-term health problems. This is partly because moving regularly decreases inflammation in the body which is at the center of many diseases. Studies show that activity is linked to lower levels of obesity, sexual dysfunction, some types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, chronic pain, and arthritis. It also helps people with mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

You don’t even have to get out of your chair!

This 12-minute video is guided by Roger Currier, a recreation therapist and certified applied Tai Chi instructor from the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, FL. He demonstrates a Tai Chi lesson with instructions for both seated and standing options. This allows someone who is new to Tai Chi the opportunity to practice each form in the position that is most comfortable for them.

A warm-up video can be a great introduction to more Tai Chi practice or a way to get your day started with some gentle movements to encourage the body to move in a healthy way. By stretching and moving the whole body in this video, you’ll be ready to tackle your day with more ease and confidence.

Tai Chi is considered a mind-body practice where gentle breathing is combined with slow deliberate movements. This type of practice has been shown to improve balance and quality of life. If it has been a while since you have been exercising regularly, this slow, gentle movement might be just the starting point to begin moving again. Once warmed up you can search for more videos that walk you through longer Tai Chi practices.