There are many reasons to train outdoors. Primarily, for the many of us living in a crowded city, we simply don’t have a large enough indoor space to practise all of the more expansive forms and movements of Tai Chi, so getting outside is a necessity. But beyond this, there is something very special about practising outdoors. Movements can feel quite different when performed in the midst of nature rather than in the artificial, geometric confines of an interior.
Probably the main reason why people do not practise outdoors more is the worry about the more public nature of outdoor spaces. Even if you have your own garden you may be overlooked by neighbours, and the first couple of times you practise there you can feel very exposed. However, once you have done it a few times this feeling should disappear, and you will be as comfortable as if you were in the privacy of your own living room. Thankfully, it is highly unlikely that your neighbours will judge you mad, or accuse you of lowering local property prices. Although there is a remote chance you may spark in them an interest in learning Tai Chi, the most likely response will be a complete lack of interest.
Many of us do not have a garden, so outdoor training is something even more public. However, as parks are often more spacious and green than one’s own backyard, this can help you feel more closely related to the natural world whilst practising. The down-side for someone not used to training in a public place is that the sense of exposure and embarrassment from Tai Chi in a public place can be intimidating. You may also fear receiving unwelcome attention from the more delinquent members of the local youth. However, while this is a genuine risk, it is in reality a small one. The good news is that even though you may initially feel uncomfortable about practising outside, this feeling will very quickly wear off. You will soon realise that even if it feels at first like you are “showing off” in some way, this is probably not how it looks to the other users of the park. Once you have grasped the general indifference of the public to what you are doing, you will quickly start to feel more comfortable.
You never know, as you gain confidence in practising in public, you might find yourself more willing to fit practice into your daily routine – pacing through movements at the bus stop or train platform, or testing the solidity of your stances on the train. I have even heard of one teacher who used to send his students to practise forms in a busy marketplace as an exercise in concentration.
The other main reason for not training outdoors more is unpredictable weather. However, as long as you dress appropriately and, in the worst conditions, as long as you can get indoors soon afterwards, change clothes and get warm, miserable weather is a poor excuse for avoiding practising outdoors. In fact, training in different weather conditions, including rain, wind, even snow, and at different times of year can be exhilarating and also raises interesting questions for reflection. How and why does practising in each of these conditions feel different? What is it to be in harmony with these different conditions?
If you do decide to practise in more adverse weather, however, there are some things to think about. Be sensitive about what the weather is doing to you. Be on the lookout for where you might get too cold or wet, and which of these factors you might be susceptible to. Above all, be safe and sensible. You might also need to adjust your practice accordingly. If it is cold or wet, for instance, make sure that you do more energetic exercises that keep your body temperature up.
Below is further advice on picking a spot to practise outdoors, staying safe, and gaining confidence.
Training and the weather
Winter
- DON’T be put off training just because the weather’s not beautiful – don’t just use the weather as an excuse!
- DO dress suitably for the weather: warmer clothes when it’s cooler, something waterproof if it might rain, etc.
- DO pay attention to how adverse weather conditions (especially cold and wet) are affecting your body and health, and DO be sensible!
Summer
- DO take insect repellent with you when training outdoors in the summer!
Training in a Park
Feeling less self-conscious in public
- DO find a regular place and time to train – you will come to feel more “at home” in a spot where you have done Tai Chi before.
- DO start by doing some basic warm-ups and stretches – they look a bit more like the kind of thing a jogger might do before running, so you’ll feel less like you stick out. After that, do some Qigong, and work your way up to doing material you feel might look more “exotic”, such as the Tai Chi form, once you have settled in to the space.
- DO consider using a part of the park where other exercise is going on. There may be a range of other sports from “boxercising” to football practice, and you may find you feel like you blend in nicely with this general variety of exercises.
- DO consider that in many central parks in large cities there are pre-work exercise classes going on, so this may be an excellent time to practice Tai Chi. You will certainly feel more at home practicing in these parks in the morning than you do at lunchtime.
Choosing your spot
- DO find somewhere with a nice view – Tai Chi and Qigong are about the harmony between the internal (you) and the external (nature). Consider the kinds of place that will foster this harmony. You might want to practice near a majestic tree, or water, for example.
- DO check the ground for dog-poo, broken glass, and other hazards before starting (especially if practicing barefoot!).
- DO consider central parks as well as local ones – they are often more grandiose, inspiring and welcoming environments for practice, and you may find that visiting one of these can be integrated into your daily routine in conjunction with a commute.
Safety
- DON’T go somewhere too isolated. Although it may seem nice to be “tucked away” privately, you may also be exposing yourself to the very small – but nonetheless real – risk of being assaulted or otherwise hassled.
- DO consider using the parts of a park that are frequented by joggers and/or other people doing exercise. Their visible presence may well deter anyone with criminal intent, and you will tend to feel less like you stick out.
Material that can be practiced outside
- DON’T practice material your teacher has told you can’t be practiced in public.
- DON’T practice with weapons in public places – this may well be illegal!
- Generally, it’s best to avoid practicing more martial material in public places.