Tai chi and weight lifting

[asrhea]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but I was wondering if weight lifting is detrimental to tai chi progress. I've heard from some people that it is not a good idea as it will cause tension in the muscles. Then there are others that would argue that in the early days of tai chi, many practitioners were already pretty muscular since most had manual labor jobs, and they would exercise carrying stones and other things. The thing is, I love tai chi and lifting weights, and I would really like some guidance on this issue. Thanks!

[Audi]

Hi asrhea,

My view is that if you love both, you should do both, unless high achievement in Tai Chi is one of the top priorities in your life. I know some people who lift weights and seem to do quite well with their Tai Chi for their purposes.

Some Tai Chi is generally better than no Tai Chi. More Tai Chi is generally better than less Tai Chi; however, if doing more Tai Chi threatens to unbalance your life and perhaps lead to doing no Tai Chi, I think that "less" is better than "more."

Take care,
Audi

[asrhea]

So you think if I lift weights, that I can't achieve a high level of Tai Chi?

[Audi]

I think that most weight lifting favors isolation of the muscles, whereas Tai Chi favors integration of muscles. Using free weights, natural whole-body movement, or core exercises is probably less of a concern.

I think that truly high-level Tai Chi takes such a commitment that practicing things inconsistent with its approach is problematic for those on that path. Most of us, however, do not need such achievement to learn wonderful skills, strengthen our bodies, improve our health, and nurture the spirit. If this is your goal and you love weightlifting, I would do it. I do not believe Tai Chi is all or nothing.

If high-level Tai Chi is really your priority, then the conversation should really be about more than just whether or not to engage in weight lifting.

Take care,
Audi