The BBC series 'Trust me I'm a Doctor', hosted by Dr Michael Mosley, conducted a 12 week experiment to compare the effect of exercise on two groups of volunteers between the ages of 65 and 75. Neither group had previously conducted regular exercise. One group participated in Zumba classes and the other in Tai Chi.
As expected, the group participating in Zumba showed an improvement in health and fitness. But perhaps surprisingly, the group practising Tai Chi showed similar improvements in blood biomarkers, blood pressure and vessel flexibility.
The programme was shown in January 2019, but, sadly is no longer available on BBC iPlayer. To read more visit Could Tai Chi offer the same benefits as more vigorous exercise?
The researchers at the University of Birmingham that supported this BBC programme have also undertaken health research that included younger volunteers (18-25). To read more visit this link.
To experience the health benefits of Tai Chi for yourself, join Anita Ho in one of her classes (see https://wutansurrey.com/classes).
Anita has been teaching Tai Chi since 2012 and is a registered instructor with Wutan UK Martial Arts.