In the ever-changing world of the internet, I found myself stepping into the virtual realm, where the age-old practices of Tai Chi and Qigong awaited. It was a journey of change, a story connected between the taps on my keyboard and the pixels on my screen, defining today's way of learning and staying healthy.   The move from traditional classes to the new online world got me thinking – can Tai Chi and Qigong thrive in this digital space? Join me as we dive into the good and not-so-good sides of learning these ancient arts in the online era.  

The Pros

 

 

1. Easy Access No matter where you are, the world becomes your classroom. Online learning smashed the barriers of distance, letting Tai Chi and Qigong lovers like me connect with great teachers worldwide. Suddenly, these ancient practices were just a click away, breaking the limits of physical spaces. 
2. Flexible Schedule Life is a getting busier by the minute, and online classes adapted to my daily life so easily. With flexible schedules, these classes became a must-go for me. They fit into the ups and downs of my day, fitting perfectly with my busy days. 
3. Saves Money Say goodbye to worries about travel and studio costs. Learning online was not just about convenience; it was a budget-friendly journey. No more stressing about expenses – my sanctuary was now my own home. 
4. Rewind and Learn In the world of technology, time was on my side. Recording and replaying sessions became my secret weapon. I could soak up every bit of Tai Chi and Qigong at my own pace, making each lesson a lasting friend on my journey. 
5. Loads of Learning Resources Online platforms unfolded like a hidden treasure. Beyond live classes, I found tons of resources – videos, writings, and buzzing discussion forums. I could explore different teaching styles, get different views, and understand these ancient arts even better.

The Cons

   

1. No Hands-On Help In this digital space, missing the immediate help from an instructor was tough. Tai Chi and Qigong need precision, and without the hands-on guidance, nailing each move felt like a far-off dream.

   

• Less Social Interaction Traditional studios are great for the sense of community. Online, that spirit was a bit dull. The shared sweat and social buzz that make these practices special weren't the same. For some of us, staying motivated became a bit trickier.

     

• Tech Hiccups The online classes wasn't always smooth. Tech issues, slow internet, or computer problems were unexpected but also expected problems. These disruptions could mess with the flow of sessions, bringing frustration into the learning the practice.

     

• Home Comforts and Distractions The coziness of home had its challenges. Distractions were everywhere, and creating a dedicated practice space became a bit of a puzzle. Staying disciplined needed some extra effort, and at times, staying focused was a bit tough.

     

• Missing Energy Feel In this digital waltz, feeling the energy flow was quite difficult. Tai Chi and Qigong are all about the energy moving within our body, and the touch of an instructor guiding my posture was hard to replicate online. The screen just couldn't capture the deep experience.

  As I navigated this digital journey, the ups and downs of learning Tai Chi and Qigong online showed me how things are changing. Choosing this virtual adventure became my personal journey, shaped by my preferences, circumstances, and the value I placed on the whole experience.   Balancing the good and not-so-good parts became my “forms” – a mix of being mindful and smart. In this ever-changing world, the heart of Tai Chi and Qigong stayed my guide, urging me to explore and stay well, whether in a physical studio or the virtual world. The practice continued, with each pixel holding the age-old charm of these ancient practices. P.S, I wouldn’t worry so much about the cons because with Zhaobao Taichi SG app, I was able to still feel the “chi” and have zero tech hiccups since I can download it. So no worries at all!