Modified Soup Bowl (Tai Chi)

This soup bowl exercise from tai chi gently strengthens your core, hips and knees.

Stand with your feet at least shoulder width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward. 

Lower your body into a squatting position - go as low as is comfortable for you. Close your hands into fists and while in a squatting position, push your fists against each other.

You’ll notice that as soon as you push your fists against each other, your abdominals will automatically engage.

Your arms should be level with your chest. Imagine you are balancing soup bowls on your forearms.

Hold this position for up to 30 seconds. If you can’t hold for 30 seconds, that’s fine. Hold for as long as you can and work your way up.

• Don’t let your shoulders roll forward, rather keep your shoulders down and back and stay tall through your torso.
• Also, if you have wrist issues and it’s not comfortable for you to push your fists together, you can clasp your hands together instead.