Taiji may be an exercise commonly associated with the elderly, but it is also catching on with millennials, according to a 2017 article by CNN Health, which also reported that Google headquarters had, at that time, been offering taiji classes to its employees for a couple of years.

And indeed, in the Keep Fit Taiji Wellness sessions run by Singapore Sports Hub every Saturday, instructor Alice Ho says she has seen people in their 30s going for class.

While the flowing, easy movements of taiji make it an exercise suitable for the elderly, the younger set can also benefit from the slow and controlled moves, which engage almost every muscle in the arms, legs and core. This helps to build core strength and flexibility as well as strengthen the limbs. It is also low-impact to boot and does not stress the joints, so it is suitable for any fitness level.

Keep Fit Taiji Wellness is suitable for people of all ages and of any fitness level. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Another much-touted benefit of practising taiji is that it helps with mental wellness, reducing stress, anxiety and depression, and improving your mood. The meditative qualities of taiji and its focus on the breath force you to be mindful and keep you in the present.

And when you practice taiji, says Madam Ho, its gentle rhythm makes you slow down and pay attention to your form and posture, which will help regulate stress. This could be useful to the younger generation because “young people lead stressful lives. They’re always looking at their phone and at the computer”.

And of course, one other important advantage of practising taiji is that it is said to keep you mentally sharp.

Madam Ho says: “Doing taiji moves requires the coordination of your arms and legs, and you also need to concentrate on your breathing, form and posture at the same time. This keeps you using both your left and right brain, which helps with your cognitive processes to a certain extent.”

“Practising taiji engages both body and mind,” adds Madam Ho, a Singapore Sports Council-certified Keep Fit Taiji Wellness instructor who has also been a qualified qigong trainer since 1987.

Amazing grace

Taiji away your stress and anxiety. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB

Want to give taiji a go? You can consider the Sport Hub’s Keep Fit Taiji Wellness sessions, which comprise 18 low-impact movements that are as graceful as they are easy.

The simplicity of the moves taught in the sessions means you can continue practising by yourself at home, although Madam Ho encourages people to work out with like-minded friends because “friends can encourage one another to exercise”.

She adds: “If you practise with a mate, the companionship will make you happy to be working out. And after each session, you can go for breakfast or coffee together, which will also keep life interesting.”

If you are keen on other workouts as well, Singapore Sports Hub also runs activities such as SupaFresh Dance Movement, a simple but calorie-busting dance fitness class inspired by various street dance styles; SuperFit Sunset Power Yoga and SuperFit Sunrise Yoga Wellness, in which you stretch, unwind and take in the majestic view of the city skyline; and the SuperTrail Weekend Speed Walk & Dash, a chance for the whole family to clock steps along the Stadium Riverside Walk.

Safe management measures, such as temperature taking, limiting the number of participants and safe distancing, have been put in place for all activities.

A complete list of the daily workouts by the Singapore Sports Hub is available here. Register via the ELXR® app, available for download from the App Store or Google Play, or refer to the ELXR® app user manual.