Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special clothing for Tai Chi?
No, as long as clothes allow freedom of movement and shoes allow easy balance. Socks on slippery floor are not advisable.

I have not done Tai Chi before; will the class be too advanced for me?
All classes are open to all. Some classes tend more toward beginners and are outlined on the Leisure Centre Class Schedule web-site page.

I am concerned that exercise will be too strenuous for me?
Tai Chi is gentle by nature.

Will Tai Chi give instant results?
Tai Chi involves the learning of skills. In particular, these involve coordination of movements. This does take time and practice. Benefits will be immediate, but also accrue as Tai Chi skills improve.

I have heard that Tai Chi is a Martial Art, is this true.
Yes it is true, but our main focus is on gaining health and fitness value from the gentle exercise aspect of Tai Chi. I am able to teach students the Martial aspects of Tai Chi, if interested, provided the student is willng to take part in vigorous, strenuous, contact, combat, routines.

How will Tai Chi affect my joints?
Generally exercise is good for all aspects of health. There may be specific individual circumstances of illness of injury where this is not so. Your Doctor will advise.

My doctor has said that I need to get more exercise. Is Tai Chi a good choice?
It is most important to do Aerobic exercise, for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, i.e., the heart rate is raised – similar to a brisk walk, jog, brisk cycling, etc. Warm up, stretch and do a 5 minute Tai Chi Form through 4 times would achieve this. However, beginners may not raise the heart rate sufficiently whilst in the stage of still learning the 24 Form. It is a good idea to combine Tai Chi with another type of Aerobic exercise. An excellent way of increasing the exercise value of your Tai Chi class is to take a brisk walk to and from class.

What will I gain from Tai Chi?
In Tai Chi, movements are practiced slowly and fluidly to benefit the whole body and mind. Including: the cardiovascular system; flexibility; balance; joint function; muscular and bone strength, and relaxation of the mind.

Will Tai Chi be an expensive hobby?
In a lifetime of Tai Chi, you really do not need to spend any more than your regular class fee.

If I begin Tai Chi and wish to continue, will opportunities be available?
West Norfolk Tai Chi aspire to make available convenient opportunities for people to begin, continue and develop their Tai Chi activity, at a reasonable fee. However, for various reasons, classes may close, or, at times, be not available due to being fully booked. Other classes may be further for learners to travel, on different days and times and fees may be more.