Which One Is Best: Tai Chi Or Yoga?

Yoga and tai chi each use specific physical positions to create a state of relaxation. Concentration and the use of slow movements and used in both to create relaxation. Mediation is a part of each discipline to help achieve this state. But, there is a great difference in the way that each practice uses those movements. The physical effects of the two disciplines are different because of the difference in pace.

In yoga, the poses are a way to bring about a mental harmony. Yoga poses are held for minutes at a time, as stillness is an important component of the practice. Tai chi poses are not geared toward this same goal. Tai chi poses are done fluidly, with one movement going straight to the next. Tai chi’s continued series of movements was originally meant as a form of martial arts. Tai chi today is a low-impact cardio regimen.

Tai chi is known for the gentle movements, but yoga can be a little more harsh. Of the many poses of yoga, many are difficult to achieve and even more difficult to maintain. There are some who are not able to do yoga, though an increase in flexibility and stamina are the payoffs for those who do. It’s possible for virtually everyone to do tai chi, however, even if health is poor.

Yoga practitioners can expect an increase in stamina and flexibility. Stress levels and blood pressure are also seen to improve with yoga. The connection that exists between the body and the mind is the main component when practicing yoga in order to benefit from the calming effects. Tai chi has a strong physical component, and can be performed to exercise muscles and to achieve an optimal heart rate.

As a form of self defense, tai chi drew on the power that lies in relaxation beat an adversary. In the West, tai chi is usually practiced for its cardiovascular health benefits. The workout is often practiced among the elderly to get the benefits of toned muscles with a gentle workout. Yoga was not begun as a self defense method, and it can sometimes be difficult for older people to practice. The physical movements of yoga aren’t the goal, but are used as a way to achieve the needed internal changes.

Both disciplines require the correct breathing to be performed during the exercises. Breathing, however, is more a part of the yoga poses than the tai chi movements. Yoga breathing is done consciously and deliberately, often with coordinated breaths to go with the poses. In some parts of yoga, the breathing is done by itself, independent of the poses. Tai chi movements and breathing are always done at the same time. The appropriate breathing for each step of tai chi is developed as the student learns to coordinate the movements with the appropriate breathing. Both are important to achieving the best health effects from tai chi.