Diabetes can be a tough health condition to manage. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or had it for many years, it requires you to manage your diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle carefully. We all know exercise is foundational to thriving with diabetes, but what exercises are best? You’ll be surprised by the answer. Let’s dive into the extraordinary benefits of Tai chi when you have diabetes.
What Is Tai Chi?
For the uninitiated, Tai chi is a form of internal martial arts that synchronizes breath and visualization practices with gentle yet progressive movements and poses. Tai chi has several health benefits. For instance, the gentle breathing Tai chi requires can do a lot to revitalize and energize you. Tai chi has quite a history in Asia and is considered one of the best-known internal martial arts in the world. It’s rooted in Taoism, which emphasizes balance and harmony with nature. Having an active lifestyle when you have diabetes is very beneficial to maintaining one’s well-being.
Who Can Do It?
Anyone can do Tai chi, as it’s appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Because it’s so low impact, it’s perfect for those diagnosed with diabetes. It’s also not uncommon for entire families, especially in Asia, to practice it together. Its real benefits shine in people with chronic illnesses and conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and even mental illness. Many people can benefit from learning Tai chi. It’s a safe and fun practice.
What Are the Benefits?
The health benefits of Tai chi are extensive, especially for people with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, which can cause foot pain. Tai chi helps with balance and mobility, promoting circulation in the blood vessels and fascia of the body. Despite its slow movements, it works all muscle groups, contributes to respiratory fitness, and reduces nervous tension.
It’s recommended that people with diabetes avoid high-intensity aerobic exercises that involve running or jumping because such activities can easily lead to injuries, and their wounds tend to heal slowly. With Tai chi, your feet mostly remain on the ground, making it perfect for people who need to be careful with their feet.
In short, these are only some of the benefits of Tai chi when you have diabetes. We highly recommend you keep it in mind as it’s a great way to safely stay fit and it’s a great activity for the entire family to enjoy. Check out your local gym and sign up for a class—they’re usually cheap or free. You’ll be grateful you did!
