Tai Chi: the ancient art of going with the flow

Research has shown that stroke patients who practiced as little as six weeks of Tai Chi improved their balance. Another study found that healthy seniors improved standing balance after only four weeks. The slow movement trains our awareness of energy and use of force.

The short form of the popular Yang style of Tai Chi consists of 37 postures. With names such as "Grasping Sparrow's Tail" and "Fair Lady Works with Shuttles," these "forms" are performed in a slow and continuous sequence. The entire exercise can be completed in seven to 10 minutes.

It's particularly good for older people. As folks get older they lose their sense of balance. Tai Chi promotes balance. More and more data shows that balance training prevents hip fractures, which are almost always caused by falls.

It's been really terrific in terms of reducing stress. It works your whole body. You get quite strong, core and legs. But you don't look like a muscleman.

Tai Chi has been called "meditation in motion."