Ai Chi, Aquatic Exercises & Mindfulness

 

Photo by Richard Lin on Unsplash

Water exercises can help you reduce stress, strengthen muscles, and can help with your balance. There are many types of water exercises such as Aquatic Yoga, Ai Chi, Aquatic Zumba, and therapeutic water exercises. Before you begin Ai Chi, Aquatic Yoga, or other water exercises, consult with your primary doctor. Additionally, purchase water shoes before exercising in water. as well as practicing water exercises with a certified instructor. 

If you like Tai Chi, you might like Ai Chi. It is similarly like Tai Chi because of the slow movements. However, Ai Chi uses massage, Tai Chi, stretching, rocking, and twisting. As well as Qigong movements and Yoga poses with breathing techniques that help you relax. Ai Chi assists in practicing body awareness and mindfulness. 

These water exercises are done in warm water with your instructor and in a group. Also, Ai Chi can be done individually with an instructor. Wearing water shoes is recommended to prevent back pain, foot pain, and to prevent injuries. To begin with Ai Chi, make sure the water level is up to your shoulders. However, some water exercises can be done with the water level up to your torso.

Slowly do breathing techniques as you do arm movements. Meditating and focusing on your body movements. Also, feeling the water as you do every movement as you inhale and exhale. Each movement done in the water are gentle and flowing. Slow instrumental music can be played as you exercise. 

Yet, Ai Chi can be practiced without music. Continue moving in the water and do standing Yoga poses. The Warrior poses in Yoga are practiced in water and can help with your posture. There are a total of nineteen unique movements where you can float, do arm movements, turn your body, and leg movements. Make sure you stay hydrated. 

Be aware of your body limitations and practice at your pace. You can wear long sleeve swimwear, rash guard swimsuit, or any swimsuit that is comfortable for exercising in the water. Practice Ai Chi two or three times a week for managing your blood pressure, relaxation, flexibility, and balance. After you practice Ai Chi, you can sit and write in your journal. Also, you can sit with your feet in the water and do counting meditation before leaving the pool. 

Nevertheless, practice mindfulness and Ai Chi during the summer season or anytime of the year. Ai Chi can be practiced for thirty minutes or for sixty minutes. You can practice Aquatic Yoga, Aquatic Zumba, or other aquatic exercises every other day to change your water exercises. Mindfulness can be practiced with water exercises by using your senses and focusing on your movements. Listen to the water, see the bubbles, see the sun reflected on the water, and feel the waves as you do arm or leg movements. 

Do not wear jewelry. Do have your hair tied or wear a swimmer’s cap especially if you are in a public pool. Make sure there is a lifeguard present. Lastly, pack snacks and a cold drink after you water exercises. Here are some resources about Ai Chi. 

 

Discover The Healing Power of Aqua Chi Tai Chi in Water:

Discover the Healing Power of Aqua Chi: Tai Chi in Water

Ai Chi Love, Energy, and Water:

Ai-Chi (Love, Energy, Water) – Ivan Amaral

*Photo by Richard Lin on Unsplash