Although tai chi is technically an ancient Chinese martial art, there is nothing martial about it really, although it is still artistic. Tai chi is made up of a series of flowing, slow movements that are connected with the breath. The individual movements are called forms, and each form often recalls an animal or something in nature, such as a tree or reed. Some form names include “Grasp the bird's tail” and “Wave hands like clouds.” These names are evocative of the movement, which incorporate all the limbs and the breath.

Research on tai chi has found it to be helpful for mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, as well as physical ailments, such arthritis and hypertension. Because you perform tai chi while standing and use your whole body, it can build muscular strength and slightly increase cardiovascular function. More than anything, though, tai chi is great for balance training, flexibility, and relaxation.