If you know me, you’ll know I love a good walking trend . I’ve given “ Japanese walking ,” “ retro walking ,” “ 6-6-6 walking ,” and more a go – but I have to admit that I only heard of “Tai Chi walking” recently. But I might benefit from giving it a go, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor suggested. Not least, she explained, because it may help to prevent falls , especially as we age. What is “Tai Chi walking”? Described by some experts as the “foundation of tai chi practice,” Tai Chi walking involves moving slowly, carefully, and deliberately. It came from the centuries-old Chinese art of traditional Tai Chi Chuan. It’s not so much about getting your steps in as it is following a series of mindful, balanced movements . “The movements in tai chi are slow, deliberate, and focus heavily on weight shifting, posture, and controlled breathing, which can improve proprioception and lower limb strength over time,” Dr Wylie said. It’s an almost meditative form of movement . What are the benefits of “Tai Chi walking”? “Tai chi walking is an interesting approach to maintaining balance and mobility, particularly in older adults or those at risk of falls,” Dr Wylie told us. A 2023 meta-analysis of 24 studies found that Tai Chi appeared to be an “effective exercise for preventing falls and improving balance ability in older adults, whether they are healthy or at high risk of falling”. These benefits rose the more Tai Chi the participants did, and the longer they did it for. “Unlike regular walking, which mainly provides cardiovascular benefits and maintains general fitness, tai chi walking emphasises stability and mindful movement, which may make it more effective for fall prevention,” the GP added. “Patients who practise it regularly often report feeling more confident in their gait and less unsteady on uneven surfaces.” Is Tai Chi walking better than “regular” walking? Though Tai Chi walking appears to have unique benefits, Dr Wylie wouldn’t reccomend replacing your existing step goal entirely. “While traditional walking remains important for overall cardiovascular health, integrating tai chi walking could be a useful complementary activity, particularly for those who have experienced previous falls or have concerns about balance,” she said. “As a GP, I would encourage patients to choose activities they enjoy, as adherence is key, but for fall prevention specifically, tai chi walking has some clear advantages.” Related... Here's What It Means If You Get Winded From Walking Up The Stairs I Tried 10 Walking Trends In 2025 – Only 3 Are Staying In 2026 I Tried 'Retro Walking', And My Knees Have Never Felt Better