Page 7 - ROOT by Brock May June 26

Fitne F us: TAI CHI
The most e ective workouts aren’t always with deep, steady breathing, your mind

the fastest. Precision and control make slow- becomes calmer, and your body more aware.
moving tai chi a powerful practice. The slow pace also helps improve balance
Tai chi, often referred to as “meditation and coordination, which becomes especially
in motion,” is a centuries-old practice that important as we age.
combines slow, graceful movements with Research suggests that tai chi can help support
mindful breathing. Originally developed as a healthy blood pressure, improve mood, and
martial art, tai chi is now widely recognized enhance sleep quality. Because it is gentle on
for its health benefi ts, including improved the joints, it can be a great option for those
balance, increased fl exibility, and stress relief. recovering from injury or seeking a sustainable
form of movement.
One of the best things about tai chi is that it
can be adapted to fi t almost any skill or fi tness If you’re curious about tai chi, give it a try.
level. Whether you’re looking for a gentle way All you need is comfortable clothing, a little
to get moving, improve posture, or reduce space, and a willingness to slow down.
stress, tai chi o ers a low-impact option that As with any new exercise routine, check with

can be practiced anywhere. Even 10 to 15 your doctor before getting started. Tai chi is

minutes a day can make a di erence in how more than exercise, it’s a way to nurture both
your body feels and how your mind responds mind and body, one mindful step at a time.
to daily stress.
Source:
A typical session involves a series of slow,
fl owing movements like “Wave Hands Like https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/
Clouds” or “Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane.” PMC10680471/
These motions engage both the upper and https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-
lower body. As you connect each movement benefi ts-of-tai-chi

From the Kitchen: PICKLED CUCUMBER WITH MINT

Serves 4
• 12 oz. cucumber, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS:
• ⅛ tsp. kosher salt Toss cucumbers with salt in a colander and let
• 1 ea. serrano pepper, thinly sliced them drain for about 20 minutes to remove
• 1 ⅛ Tbsp. lemon juice concentrate excess moisture. Then gently squeeze any
• 2 ⅜ Tbsp. granulated sugar liquid from the cucumbers. In a separate
• 1 ¾ oz. shallot, peeled and fi nely chopped large bowl, combine remaining ingredients.
• 1 ¾ tsp. fresh mint, chopped Add cucumbers to this mixture and toss to
combine. Chill below 40°F and hold cold
• 1 ¾ tsp. fresh cilantro, chopped until ready to serve.
• ⁄ tsp. fresh ginger, chopped

Nutrition Information: Calories 45, Total Fat 0g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 55mg,
Total Carbohydrates 11g, Fiber 1g, Total Sugars 8g, Protein 1g