Improved cardiovascular and respiratory functions have been found in healthy subjects as well as those who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Those who suffer from heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, arthritis and multiple sclerosis have all benefited from Tai Chi.

A surprising fact about the slow and gentle low impact movements of Tai Chi is that is has been proven to burn more calories than surfing and skiing.

There are a variety of types in Tai Chi. Most of them begin with a series of controlled movements or forms. Some of the types have fanciful names like Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail or Repulse the Monkey. There are many books from which information may be sourced. There are also a growing number of recreational centres, health clubs and residential organisation who conduct Tai Chi sessions each day.Tai Chi is flexible in allowing participants to practice at their own pace. An added benefit is the enlarging of one’s social circle. The lack of urgency in the movements is of special appeal for the elderly. This also means that there is no risk of injuries to life, limb or creaky joints. Intense focus is combined with slow elegant movements that improve agility, strength and balance.

The actual benefit of following a routine of Tai Chi will only be evident after several months of continuous practice. But the enhanced health can translate into a whole new lifestyle. When people start to feel healthier and better, they naturally become more active in their daily life.

One expert in chronic disease prevention opines that a combination of Tai Chi and walking would be a good mix. The most promising fact about Tai Chi is that the practitioners enjoy performing it. This brings the promise of continuity and its long term benefits.

It is indeed easy to tell people to make exercise a part of their daily routine. What is difficult is telling them what to do in the name of exercise. There is a valid reason for this. People’s tastes differ. Some may like rigorous physical exertion that leaves them breathless and sweating heavily. Others may have reasons not to like this or not to be able to like this. One’s age and state of health are important factors. A healthy youngster may take up long distance running. An elderly or sickly person may not last running a long distance.

Tai Chi is perfect for almost everybody because it requires no heavy physical exertion, has no religious connotations and is proven to improve health when done on a regular basis. Further investigation into Tai Chi may throw up greater details, including the fact that there is nothing in it that may be considered controversial in any manner.

(b) From paragraph 2, what was the effect of Tai Chi on persons who had had coronary artery bypass surgery ?

(b) From paragraph 5, what are the two factors that make Tai Chi attractive to the elderly ?

(b) From paragraph 8, mention the factors that make Tai Chi an ideal choice for everybody.

Characteristic : ___________

Reason : ____________

• The importance of having an exercise regimen

• The superiority of Tai Chi as a choice of an exercise regimen

In only two years, attendance at the Games for Change conference has grown from 40 activists in attendance in 2004 to 250 this year. These humanitarians are excited to use this form of media to spread awareness of problems in the world. Through their games, they create hope for a better future and a better world.