What to do when you can't exercise? Tai chi :-)

[whyhere]

Motivated by the threads started by those with chronic pain.

I've had issues with my back for years, and had all the scans, X-rays etc. It's muscular, so I'm fortunate, and I learned to live with it (including constant sciatica). I tried every exercise I could think of, including pilates classes run by physios specialising in back pain, but everything I tried made my back worse. The first few weeks would be fine but then, wham! Intervention needed to get me on my feet again.

Years ago I bought a DVD (remember those??!!) about tai chi. I watched these elegant, calm people going through the various poses and tried to follow but, being a tad dyspraxic, it was hopeless. However, two years ago, in desperation, I started googling "What exercise can I do with a bad back?" and tai chi kept coming up. So, I took the plunge and found a class where the instructor's credentials stacked up and the reviews were excellent. It was the best thing I ever did. And to anyone who thinks it's not 'real' exercise I'd say - just try it! I've recently had to have three weeks off everything as I've been really unwell. After returning to my tai chi class I honestly felt as though I'd had such a workout! It may look simple, but it engages every muscle group and is so good for the mind too: I can't think about anything else during classes.

Does it burn any calories?

I used to go to a class years ago and even though I am a naturally competitive, no pain, no gain type of exerciser, I really enjoyed it. I think it was the challenge of co-ordinating different parts of your body into a smooth movement.
I was in my 20s so didn't have the aches and pains I do now 30 years later! I have been thinking of taking it up again.

About 100 per one-hour session according to my Apple Watch, but it's more about balance, co-ordination, flexibility and muscle tone.

Go for it! It's changed my life! And, combined with a calorie-controlled diet, has helped me to lose over 2 stones in weight.

I really like the idea but can’t find a class

Tai chi is great for body and mind. I used to be a yoga freak but cant do much these days due to a trashed lumbar spine. Swimming was also right up there but I dont much, because it gives me terrible back pain, I can only do the backstroke, even that is really a no no. Walking, I do a fair amount of walking, it's a bit of a struggle, lots of hills, even if i walk the prom, I have a mile back up a hill to get home, still worth it.

Most weight loss for me has to come via diet, hence 80% diet, 20% exercise, was previously the other way around.

I also have one of those spin cycles with the 12 kg weighted wheel up front, but it's hit and miss, and can be painful. I can usually manage 30 minutes, which would burn 150-200 calories, I still prefer walking though.

I'm currently 3 stone overweight, I need to get at it.

I did tai chi for a year. I'd put it on a par with cooking, Pilates, DIY, yoga, gardening, stretching, cleaning, queuing on your legs. It's motion & movement, but not exercise in my mind.

Didn't do anything I can recall for my balance, flexibility or tone. I am thinking about adult ballet for those, though.

Gosh! I've never heard that view of tai chi before.