【英語リスニング・中級】Tai Chi (No.991)






Monica talks about the increasingly popular exercise of Tai Chi.


Todd: So, Monica, you do Tai Chi?

Monica: Yes, I’ve just joined a Tai Chi club?

Todd: What made you join the Tai Chi club?

Monica: Well, I wanted to do something that was a lot different to what I usually do, which is high impact sports like basketball and tennis.

Todd: So, you wanted to do something that was slower?

Monica: Yeah, well, I don’t usually enjoy exercise that is quite slow such as yoga, but I decided to join this club and I’m really enjoying it.

Todd: So, what exactly is Tai Chi? What do you do in Tai Chi?

Monica: Well, there are different types of Tai Chi. There’s the original Tai Chi which involves quick fast movements, and then there’s a slower form of Tai Chi which is quite popular in Japan. I think it’s called Mr. Young Tai Chi, and that involves very slow pronounced movements, and that’s the Tai Chi that I’m doing.

Todd: How do you feel? Like after you do Tai Chi, do you feel tired? Do you feel energetic?

Monica: After I’ve done Tai Chi I feel quite energetic actually. I don’t really feel tired because I haven’t had a really hard workout, but I feel that my mind is very relaxed and focused and that I’m very motivated to do whatever I need to do for the rest of the day.

Todd: Now, you actually are a tennis coach, so you teach sports. Would you recommend Tai Chi for other athletes?

Monica: Yeah, I do recommend Tai Chi for other athletes. It’s quite difficult to know exactly how you would benefit from Tai Chi, and how it can directly relate a specific sport, but I’ve heard that it works on your energy levels, and focuses your mind so that everything is in balance, and I think that can help in kind of sport because even in a sport like tennis, it’s important to have balance when you’re hitting the ball, when you’re volleying, when you’re getting ready for a smash. It actually involves having balance in terms of where your center of gravity is, so yeah, the concepts are similar.



high impact sports

I like high impact sports like basketball and tennis.

‘High impact sports’ involve a lot of running and jumping. Notice the following.

  2. High impact sports can be more dangerous but, they’re fun to play!

for the rest of the day


‘The rest of the day’ is the time remaining in our day after we complete an activity. Here are two samples.

  1. I ate something bad for lunch. I think I’ll take the rest of the day off.
  2. I’ve finished all my classes so for the rest of the day I’m going to surf the net.

energy levels

It works on your energy levels.

Your ‘energy level’ is your physical power to do something. Notice the samples.

  1. My energy level is always higher after a good night’s sleep.
  2. Carbohydrates can quickly increase your energy level.

a smash

He is getting ready for a smash.

In tennis, ‘a smash’ is a very powerful downward hit that most often can’t be returned by an opponent. Here are some samples.

  1. Match point was decided by a crushing smash.

center of gravity

You stand where your center of gravity is.

‘Our center of gravity’ is a point or position where our weight is balanced. Notice the sample sentences.

  2. A natural awareness of one’s center of gravity is important for a gymnast.

Learn more!

  3. The statue had a high and fell over easily.
  4. After his car accident he couldn't play sports anymore.