Looking to improve muscle tone, circulation, flexibility, balance, and discover relaxation in an active but low impact approach?  Then why not consider Ai Chi?

Ai Chi was created by Jun Konno in the early 1990's in Japan.  Konno is a well known authority on Aquatic Fitness and you will find that some of the premier rehabilitation facilities have now added Ai Chi to their list of aquatic therapies.

Ai Chi is a simple sixteen-movement sequence of water exercise performed standing in chest deep water.  Ai Chi uses a combination of deep breathing, and slow, broad, movements of the arms, legs, and torso in flowing continual patterns.

The Ai Chi movements are performed in a slow, graceful, fluid tempo.  With proper instruction you can acquire a greater degree of health, fitness and longevity than through physical training alone.  The physical benefits of Ai Chi are improved balance and flexibility, increased stability, strength, focus, and concentration.  Many find that Ai Chi can also substantially increase their range of motion.

The slow, contemplative movements are particularly beneficial for people interested in reducing their stress levels.  Ai Chi can also help to lower blood pressure and induce a feeling of calm.  People with physical disabilities can improve their balance, strength, and range of motion by practicing Ai Chi movements.

Ai Chi is similar to T'ai Chi or even Yoga in many ways, but the properties of the water add new benefits.  The soothing properties of warm water promote relaxation.  The buoyancy and lightness of your body in the water can increase stability and simplify the process of balancing while you perform the movements.  The gentle resistance and support of the water during the movements helps improve muscle tone without added stress to the joints.

Fundamentally Ai Chi seeks to work and strengthen the "mind and body" connection.  Ai Chi consciously uses breathing as the bridge connecting the mind and the body.  The primary intention of Ai Chi's simple relaxed exercises is not the accomplishment of the movements alone, but the inward focus, concentration, and relaxation that you achieve when performing them.

"Ai Chi precision is something to work towards but only in a non-judgemental way.  While we're reconnecting our body to our mind (and breathing) we'll go through a lengthy learning process.  We accept the learning and evolution as a kind and friendly path to follow."

Jun Konno