Tai chi is an approachable, low-impact workout for both advanced athletes and beginners. These tai chi benefits will convince you to give the martial art a go.

Tai Chi is a Chinese form of martial arts that involves slow, controlled and low-impact movements that can be easy for seniors--even those with limited movement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tai chi can help seniors feel steadier on their feet as well as improving their hand eye coordination.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art form often referred to as the practice of "meditation in motion." The gentle, flowing movements in Tai Chi promote relaxation, stress relief and conscious awareness of the present moment.

Although it is better for beginners to attend a tai chi class, a good DVD can undoubtedly help to keep your practice going at home. As a rule, you should look for a DVD that sticks to beginners' sequences, provides clear explanations of each move and allows you to establish a daily routine.

Unlike a traditional workout, yoga and tai chi focus on precise movements that allow the body to slowly transition from one position to the next. Both practices attempt to coordinate the muscles, bones, heart and mind with the positive energy that surrounds the body.

Martial arts are both forms of exercise and self-defense. Some of the martial arts developed thousands of years ago as methods of conditioning, both for the mind and the body.

Improbable though it might seem, Boston Celtics center Robert Parish credits tai chi with extending his career and making him one of the oldest dominant players in NBA history.

Martial arts historian Dave Coffman likes to joke that the main difference between Qi Gong and Tai Chi is "the spelling." While it is true that both arts have similar emphasis, and probably stem from common origins, there are some significant differences in how they are practiced.

Tai chi is a great exercise option for seniors, people recovering from surgery and anyone else looking for a low-impact workout. According to an article from Harvard University, tai chi is a "mind-body practice"