Is Tai Chi an Aerobic exercise an Anaerobic Exercise?

Is Tai Chi an Aerobic exercise an Anaerobic Exercise?

Tai Chi Chuan, or 太極拳, is essentially a moderate-to-low intensity aerobic exercise—what you might call 中低強度的有氧運動. It’s not considered a 低氧氣運動 (an anaerobic exercise), and it’s also not a high-intensity 高氧氣運動.

Why is that? Well, from the perspective of exercise physiology, Tai Chi’s movements are slow, continuous, and rhythmic. They involve large muscle groups and keep your breathing natural and steady. Typically, your heart rate stays in a moderate range, meaning you’re mainly producing energy through oxidative metabolism. In other words, it’s a classic form of aerobic exercise.

From a Tai Chi theory angle, we focus on maintaining 等張力 (equal tension) and 等力運動 (balanced force distribution). This means you’re emphasizing whole-body balance and natural deep breathing, with your 丹田 (dantian) governing the movement. You’re not pushing your oxygen consumption to its maximum. Instead, you’re optimizing how efficiently you use oxygen.

In short, Tai Chi is all about oxygen efficiency rather than intensity. It’s a moderate aerobic exercise that feels gentle but can develop strong internal power.