The ancient practice of Tai Chi has long been loved for it’s mind-body connection. Similar to yoga or Pilates, Tai Chi is almost a moving meditation where your mind and body both benefit! And now there’s new research to appreciate this form of activity. According to research by the Arthritis Foundation, Tai Chi participants show an improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness and sense of well-being.
After eight weeks of regular Tai Chi, participants in the study self-reported less pain, fatigue and stiffness. In addition, those doing Tai Chi had improved physical performance when doing timed chair stands (which are a measure of lower extremity strength), gait speed (both normal and fast) and two measures of balance: a single leg stance and a reach test. Researchers believe Tai Chi may help people with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.