An ancient Chinese form of exercise, tai chi is considered a martial art, but bears little resemblance to anything you're likely to see in a Jackie Chan flick.

Tai chi is characterized by soft, slow, flowing movements that emphasize precision and control rather than brute strength. It improves balance, coordination, flexibility and strength, and it calms the mind. In recent years, growing numbers of people have turned to this ancient practice to heal their modern aches, pains and illness.

Tai chi involves shifting your body weight in a series of 13 slow, graceful movements called forms. Many of these forms are named for animals and are patterned after the ways specific creatures contort their bodies. For example, one movement involves lifting your arms in the same manner that a white crane spreads its wings.

Each form in tai chi flows smoothly into the next, which keeps the body in constant motion. During the movements, the practitioner breathes deeply and meditates by blocking out distracting thoughts.
Proponents believe tai chi offers many health benefits, including facilitating gas exchange in the lungs and aiding the work of the digestive system. Studies show that Tai Chi does indeed provide cardio-protective benefits.

• The slow movements are beautiful to watch and calming to perform – a great break from hardcore workouts.
  
  
• Nearly anyone can do it. If you have trouble with some movements, keep practicing and you’ll probably get them before too long.
  
  
• Plus there's virtually no chance of getting injured during a tai chi class.

• Some people may feel self-conscious moving so slowly or frustrated that they don't sweat enough.
  
  
• Tai chi requires a long-term commitment to gain a deep understanding of the skills and philosophies, so it's not for those who are impatient about seeing results.
  
  
• The meditative portions of tai chi are likely to be a turn off for people looking for a more strenuous workout.