Have you ever seen pictures of hundreds of people practising slow, ballet like exercises together in a Chinese park as the sun comes up through the mist? They’re doing T’ai chi (or tai ji quan) probably the most peaceful, graceful form of exercise ever invented.

T’ai chi is a form of spiritual mediation, working on the principles of the constant flow of movement. Surprisingly, t’ai chi started out as a martial art. Developed more than 400 years ago, according to traditional theory, t’ai chi tackles illness by balancing the qi – the body’s energy or lifeforce.

To a westerner, the most obvious benefits are in lowering blood pressure, relieving chest disease, improving flexibility and bringing a profound sense of tranquillity.

T’ai chi is so pleasing that you don’t need huge motivation to practise - it’s very satisfying to glide through the whole sequence, or even a section. The only thing you need is a bit of space. The sequence covers several yards, which is one reason why people practise outdoors.

If you haven’t quite got the nerve to glide across the local park, don’t be put off. Just use the longest space you can find, adding a neat turn whenever you reach a wall.

Less strenuous than yoga, t’ai chi can be done by practically anyone. Even in a wheelchair you could do the upper body movements.

There are several styles, taking from 5 to 25 minutes, and some are practised with bent legs. If this is hard on your knees try one of the others or simply continue without bending so deeply – it’s not vital.