You’re looking for a mindful practice that also has physical benefits.
Which practice is best for you: Tai Chi or yoga?
We are here to help you find out.
In this guide, we will help you determine which practice best meets your needs by comparing differences, difficulty levels, and benefits.
• Is Tai Chi Like Yoga? • The Difference Between Tai Chi and Yoga Origins • The Physical Difference Between Tai Chi and Yoga • The Spiritual Difference Between Tai Chi and Yoga • Can I Do Both Yoga and Tai Chi? • How to Choose Between Tai Chi vs. Yoga
Tai Chi and Yoga both focus on balancing your mind, body, and spirit.
• Focus on their breathing • Connect with their inner selves • Practice mindfulness, and • Take care of their body
While Tai Chi and yoga serve many of the same purposes, they also differ greatly in several ways. Let’s discuss the differences below.
Tai Chi and yoga are two holistic mind-body practices that have been used in different regions of the world to help people cultivate their inner selves.
So, what are the differences between yoga and Tai Chi?
1. Their origins 2. Their physical requirements; and 3. The spirituality behind each type of practice
Tai Chi is a form of martial arts created and first practiced in East Asia, that is a gentle exercise meant to promote a harmonious balance of .
Tai Chi classes of Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi incorporate a form of martial arts known as DahnMuDo. Derived from traditional Korean qigong and martial arts forms, DahnMuDo is designed to open your body’s flow of energy to enhance your overall physical and mental well-being.
The literal meaning of yoga is, “to join or unite”. Yoga practices originated in India and spread throughout Asia before reaching the rest of the world.
The roots of our yoga classes at Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi are found in Korea and are based on an ancient mind-body practice.
The purpose of Korean yoga is to help center your self-awareness and balance the energy within your body.
The physical contrast between Tai Chi vs. yoga is fairly distinct.
Let’s take a closer look.
At the beginning level, Tai Chi is a low-impact form of exercise that puts minimal stress on your joints and muscles.
• Individuals of all fitness levels • Senior citizens • Someone who is wheelchair-bound, and • People with very limited mobility
If you want a standing form of exercise that also calms your mind and body, you may want to give Tai Chi a try.
While yoga is not necessarily harder or easier than Tai Chi in terms of physicality, some beginners may find certain movements in yoga difficult, such as getting up and down from a mat.
With yoga, you complete a series of stretches designed to help move trapped or stored energy within the muscles and joints. Moving your body in such a specific way may be especially challenging for those with limited mobility. At Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi, we offer adaptations that make yoga accessible for people with limited mobility and disabilities.
If you want a more physically rigorous form of mind-body practice, try yoga.
Tai Chi and yoga are both rooted in spiritual practice, and each has a focus on helping you connect the mind, body, and spirit.
So what is the difference between Tai Chi and yoga from a spirituality standpoint? Let’s take a look.
• An increased awareness of your inner self • A feeling of greater connection to life and with Nature; and • The feeling of internal energy activation, circulation, and balance
• Become more aware of your body and your energy • Understand your body’s place and feel your energy in harmony with Nature • Obtain a place of • Calm your mind and improve focus • Find inner peace; and • Tap into your personal power
And whenever it is possible, Tai Chi is practiced outdoors to put you in close contact with the natural world.
The is to help those who practice it achieve peace — both in the external world and within themselves. The spirituality of yoga is not based on religious beliefs, making it a beneficial practice for anyone regardless of religious or spiritual background.
• Negative patterns of thinking • Bad habits; and • Negative emotions
Shedding this negative energy can help promote peace and clarity of the mind, body, and soul.
Absolutely!
Tai Chi and yoga share similar philosophies and results but involve very different techniques. People who enjoy yoga often find themselves enjoying Tai Chi as well.
At Body and Brain Yoga Tai Chi, we offer yoga and tai chi classes. If you’re looking to incorporate yoga and Tai Chi into your routine, reach out to one of our instructors. Our instructors provide 1-on-1 guidance on how to best utilize our classes.
Yes!
While Tai Chi and yoga both have similar goals, combining Tai Chi and yoga is a great way to reap the benefits of both practices.
• Balance • Mobility • Range of motion • Internal peace
Some people even find that doing a few Tai Chi moves gives them a good warm-up and cool-down for yoga.
Are you still confused about the difference between Tai Chi and yoga and are struggling to choose the one that would be best for you?
The easiest way to decide is to try both types of classes, and Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi can help!
The Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi practice recognizes that everyone has different needs.
That’s why we offer classes on Tai Chi and classes on yoga — so you can decide which one resonates with you based on your experience.
• Tai Chi • Yoga • Breathwork, and • Guided meditation
• Relieve stress • Improve their emotional wellbeing • Enjoy enhanced focus and creativity • Sleep better at night • Achieve spiritual satisfaction • Strengthen their immune systems • Connect with their inner selves, and • Maximize the benefits of their physical exercise
Are you interested in learning more about Tai Chi or yoga?
Join Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi today for a private introductory session and let one of our experienced team members help you create a personalized plan to help you achieve your wellness goals.