Read Li I Yu's Five Character Secret and you will find a reference to strengthening the thighs.
So why do you need strong thighs, indeed, strong legs?
This is so the legs can absorb the relaxation of the torso, which then feels light and nimble. The legs also need to relax so the relaxation goes down to the feet. The feet in turn relax not so everything can press into the floor because that is a one sided view.
The ground comes up through the lower limbs into the torso and out to the arms,or for a kick directed into the leg so you are creating a conduit. Slow practise sets up the neural pathways.
This is not a quick thing and requires concentrated practise. As you relax into the legs they complain and I often felt like my legs were leaden. Actually this never seems to end!
As we get older our balance and leg strength can deteriorate so I feel that Tai Chi is a fantastic health promoting activity in this regard.
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