The martial art of Tai Chi offers many well-documented benefits. Now that I’ve been practicing the Guang P’ing form for a year, I can point out those I find specific to inline skaters:
- Balance – slow and constant motion, many one-foot stances
- Coordination – complex transitions involving every body part
- Strength – the knees are always bent, loading leg muscles
- Flexibility – everything from wide lunges to high kicks
- Mind-body – moving meditation, mindful breathing
Master David Bernhardt is at far right