This discipline from China continues to fascinate. According to new research, it would be ideal for gently building muscle. Explanations.
Imagine a discipline so powerful that it sculpts the body without ever exhausting it, a secret of longevity which is displayed every morning in the parks of Hong Kong and which today panics TikTok users. Far from the fury of crossfit gyms or intensive cardio, this age-old practice returns to the forefront to prove to us that slowness is, in reality, a formidable ally for the figure.
A clever mix between calm of the mind and deep core, this ancestral method allows you to draw long muscles and tone the abdominal muscles, all without any traumatic impact on the joints. If you are looking for the perfect compromise between mental serenity and an athletic body, this treasure could well be your new well-being obsession. Indeed, for several years, scientists have been studying the benefits of Tai Chi on the body and longevity. This very ancient Chinese martial art involves a set of continuous and circular movements executed slowly and precisely. Over the years, this combat technique has transformed into a global energetic gymnastics, highlighting breathing control and meditation. In a recent study, researchers wanted to examine the effects of this discipline on body composition. Thus, they followed 48 volunteers divided into two groups: the first engaged in classic stretching, while the second practiced Tai Chi for an hour, three times a week.
After 12 weeks, the verdict is clear: if the former did not notice any notable change, the latter gained, on average, almost a kilo of lean muscle. All thanks to gentle resistance work that engages the deep abdominals and ligaments through balance and flexibility. Result: a firmer, more toned silhouette, but without the “bloated” effect of traditional bodybuilding. This is proof that in 60 minutes of fluid movements, you can truly shape your body in depth.
But that’s not all: Tai Chi could even help you lose weight. The same study revealed that the group practicing this martial art lost an average of 3.38cm in waist size. Other research suggests that it can have the same benefits as more conventional disciplines. Other benefits of this activity include a general improvement in cardiovascular fitness, a reduction in anxiety through breathing and, therefore, a better quality of sleep. Between proven effectiveness and newfound serenity, more muscles and a mind of steel: the winning combo exists, and it is 3,000 years old.
