So now, you are ready to visit your first Tai Chi class. You may be excited and nervous at the same time. Here are some tips I have for you.

What to wear

Wear comfortable and easy-to-move clothes. Example: Loose T-shirts and comfortable pants that you can squat in. Once I wore slightly tight pants, and I was concerned about not ripping my pants when I was doing some moves.

If it's inside, you can go barefoot, if not; comfortable exercise shoes will work fine.

Some regular students may be wearing a uniform, but since it's your first time, do not worry about this.

What to bring

Water is important. Make sure to hydrate yourself before coming in to the class. Tai Chi moves water in your system, so it's good idea to have plenty of water throughout your body.

Regarding food

Do not eat 30min- 1 hour before the class. As we focus on our body and move energy, food being digested while doing Tai Chi is not ideal. If you really need to eat something, eat something light.

Before the class

If it's possible, introduce yourself to the instructor and let her/him know that you are new to Tai Chi. Position yourself in the center of the room where you can have experienced people surrounding you. (Some class will line up according to ranks. In this case, ask someone in the class where you should stand..)

What to expect

Nothing. Go with an attitude of "It's an adventure".

When you are judging, thinking, recalling, or comparing, you are not in the present and miss the lesson.

Because Tai Chi has a certain "form", it's very frustrating for the beginners. First of all, the movements look complicated and second of all you don't know what it means. This is good. You are going to class to learn. I recommend you to observe how you are reacting when faced with a new thing. Just check in with yourself to see how your mind works. Notice what happens to your body. And never take yourself seriously!

Doing new thing is good for you. Congratulations for taking it on.

It will stimulate new part of your brain. You are going back to being a baby again. In this new realm called "Tai Chi". Whatever your actual age is you are a baby here. Isn't it wonderful. Be proud and enjoy the place of "I don't know".

After class

Whatever the experience may be, it's your experience. If you can, please visit this site and share your experience.

Tai Chi may use some muscle you haven't used in a while. I advise you to do some stretches for your legs. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds until the muscle relaxes. Perhaps take a nice hot shower or epson salt bath to relax out those muscles. I had some friends coming to Tai Chi and were shocked at how much their thigh and calf muscles hurts afterwards! (They thought it will be like a very light meditation class.)