Cape Breton Tai Chi

05/20/2026

Fan Tai Chi with the class today. Something a little different. Everyone had fun.

05/05/2026

I've been blessed to do Tai Chi in some special places, but never the CN Tower. Great job Lilli !!!

04/26/2026

Breathing is not an official principle of Tai Chi but it is central to practice as breathing is a powerful regulator of the nervous system and health.

Here is Dr. Paul Lam describing the Dan Tian breathing method of Tai Chi:

In this video, *Dr Paul Lam* explains and demonstrates *Tai Chi Dan Tian Breathing*, a method of abdominal breathing used in Tai Chi practice to support rela...

03/25/2026

Great discussion with neuroscientist about how Tai Chi affects the brain. Worth a watch.

In this video, *Dr Paul Lam* speaks with *Professor Lucy Brown*, a neuroscientist whose research explores the brain’s reward systems, habit formation, and hu...

02/24/2026

There are lots of fake AI ads about Tai Chi Walking. These are scams. Avoid! I start each class with Tai Chi walking. Here is the real thing.....

Get my free tai chi starter guide at: https://www.annswansonwellness.com/taichiWhat is tai chi walking?? Join me in this quick 12 minute tutorial of mindful ...

02/10/2026

Tai Chi vs Yoga: Which is Better?

I'm biased so I asked AI. Here's what AI told me:

Research suggests that while both Tai Chi and yoga are effective at improving mobility and balance, Tai Chi often has a slight edge in enhancing functional mobility and stability (balance/fall prevention), especially in older adults. Yoga is generally better for increasing deep flexibility and static strength, while Tai Chi focuses on continuous, flowing movements that improve coordination, proprioception, and functional mobility.

What the Research Says on Tai Chi vs. Yoga for Mobility

Functional Mobility and Balance: Studies indicate that Tai Chi is exceptionally effective for improving balance and reducing the risk of falls in seniors. In a 12-month study, the Tai Chi group showed greater improvements in functional mobility (31.1% in "Timed Up and Go" test) and walking speed (24.2% in 6-minute walk test) compared to the yoga group (26.0% and 19.0% respectively).

Continuous Movement vs. Poses: Tai Chi is better for functional mobility because it emphasizes constant, natural, and continuous movement, which strengthens joints and improves coordination in motion. Yoga focuses more on holding specific poses (static), which is excellent for stretching and increasing flexibility.

Strength and Coordination: While both improve mobility, Tai Chi is often considered better for developing lower body strength and proprioception—the ability to feel your body's position in space—which is crucial for balance.

01/02/2026

Why do doctors almost never recommend Tai Chi when it is an 'evidenced based therapy'.

“Meditation in motion!” Research investigates the effectiveness of tai chi on various areas of health and well-being.