No Pain, More Gain

Tai chi is popular among those who want a gentle, yet effective form ofexercise. This ancient martial art is meditative in nature and combines slow, controlled motions of the head, eyes, torso and limbs while focusing onbreathing. Well-known benefits include improved balance, flexibility, strength, endurance and mental well-being. A recent study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Oct. 2002) has now added that women who practised tai chi scored higher on bone mineral density testing than those who did not exercise, suggesting that this gentle form of movement may keep bones strong, too. This is another nudge away from the old adage "no pain, no gain" and further proof that "no pain, more gain" is closer to the truth when it comes to exercise.