09/12/2026
Yoga and Tai Chi...Mind/Body practices
Both are disciplines that affect the Body, Mind, Spirit.
Why are they called disciplines? While a limited amount of practice will produce some positive results, the student understands, to be most effective, this has to become a daily practice.
Yoga comes from India, Tai Chi is from China.
Yoga's roots speak of a spiritual tradition.
Tai Chi, or more accurate Tai Chi Chuan, began as a Martial Art.
Yoga uses postures practiced on a mat.
Tai Chi does not use a mat, but does have postures, using them to move/step in all directions.
Both have become a form of exercise. Yoga may be more demanding on the body, even for a beginner. Tai Chi is known for being gentle on the body. Although, after your first Tai Chi class, your leg muscles may notice they have gone through a workout.
Yoga and Tai Chi, each have many styles to choose from.
Tai Chi does have some styles that are very athletic and demanding on the body, more suited to a younger person. Likewise, Yoga has all levels of intensity.
While Yoga practiced in a class is very helpful, it is still just you and the mat. You will deepen your practice by solitude, practicing each day in your own home.
Tai Chi is also a solitary practice, but it can also be a social exercise as well. Eventually, you may learn to practice with another student, working together. But, like Yoga, to deepen your practice, it must be practiced in solitude at home or outdoors.
Taking one class in either Yoga or Tai Chi will not be enough to make a wise decision. Just ask any student about their first time in a class. A student needs to be a "regular" student for several months before deciding anything permanent.
Both will teach you many things about yourself, physically and otherwise.
I teach Qigong and Tai Chi in Worcester, Ma
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Third Eye Yoga
Worcester JCC
Worcester Center for Crafts