Are You Right-Handed or Left-Handed?
Credit: Tommy Kirchoff
[SeniorsSkiing.com welcomes back Tommy Kirchhoff, a long-time ski instructor and a certified Tai Chi master. He has been teaching senior exercises for 12 years. Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that has evolved to slow-moving poses that is practiced all over the world.]
Does one knee hurt more than the other? Are there visible differences in the size and shape of your calf muscles? How about more aches in one shoulder than the other?
When you stand, do you know which foot you typically stand on? When you sit, can you tell which of your butt cheeks takes more of your body weight?
From the time we are born our bodies develop and then degrade asymmetrically. Each of us takes a longer step with one foot than the other. We tend to favor one arm and one leg; and by the time we reach middle age we begin to have asymmetric problems.
One hip or one knee destroys itself. This leads to surgery, and more asymmetry. Eventually the problems make the body sedentary, which leads to problems of the internal organs and the blood.
But asymmetry can be remedied. Not with strength, as doctors and physical therapists all seem to believe. Strength does not solve the problem of joint stiffness.
First, recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your body parts. Take inventory. Think about the differences. Let the left side teach the right side and vice-versa. Then start practicing Tai Chi. You can start anytime, but for older skiers, there’s no time like now to prepare yourself for next season.
The slow “perfect” and balanced movements of Tai Chi allow you mobilize and stretch your ankles and knees and hips in a safe and methodical way.
When you see a photo of someone practicing Tai Chi, you have to always remember that Tai Chi has no static postures. Continuous movement is a principle. So is relaxation.
When you relax and move in a specific way you can work through your stiffness and begin to correct the asymmetry in your body.
Our school has many thousands of students worldwide who enjoy the endless benefits Tai Chi has to offer.
If you want to give the movements a try, this is my Standing Energy Practice video on YouTube:
