What is Chi Walking and Running?
Chi walking and running is a modern technique influenced by the ancient practice of T’ai Chi. *
The Chi Living website describes the program as “a revolutionary program that blends the health benefits of walking with the core principles of T’ai Chi to deliver maximum physical, mental, and spiritual fitness.”
Benefits of Chi Walking and Running
I call the Chi Walking and Running the sister program to Total Immersion Swimming. Both programs utilize growth mindset principles with specially designed focus points that make each sport easier. Swimming and running easier?!! Sign me up for any program that creates something more efficient and easier.
Chi Walking and Running has changed my workout into a meditation. (My swimming practice became a meditation long ago). I am now process-focused instead of goal-oriented. With this approach, I will constantly improve, regardless of how old I am, how much I weigh or how fast I am.
Now, if you like speed, both programs not only make movements more effortless, but they can also make you faster. How? They both use the principles of gravity and physics.
If any of these statements are true, Chi Walking and Running is a program for you.
- I don’t run anymore because I am slower than I used to be
- My neck hurts when I run
- I have a hard time walking because of knee and hip pain
- I can’t run because I am overweight
- I could never walk 5km, forget about running 5km
- Walking hills is difficult for me
ChiWalking vs ChiRunning
Both ChiWalking and ChiRunning come from the same mindful foundation — moving with alignment, balance, and ease. The difference is simply the pace and the purpose. ChiWalking invites you to slow down, tune in, and build strength and awareness through every step — it’s ideal for beginners, recovery, or anyone wanting to reconnect with joyful movement. ChiRunning takes those same principles into motion, using posture, core engagement, and gravity to help you run efficiently and injury-free. At Tri Balance, we teach both as ways to move through life with less strain, more flow, and a deeper connection to your body’s natural rhythm.
Coach Teresa’s ChiWalking and Running journey
In 2005, I heard about the technique from my sister, Marnie Freeman. The information sounded interesting; however, I had started the walk/run method by Jeff Galloway, and that was enough at the time. From 2008-2017, I continued to hear about the technique through Total Immersion Swimming. The founders of Total Immersion Swimming, Terry Laughlin, and the founder of Chi Running, Danny Dreyer, have discussed how their philosophies for each sport were aligned. Years pass, and running is my favourite of the three disciplines (swimming, biking, and running). Until 2019, my runs continued to get longer, faster and stronger.
Then Baboom 😵💫 – menopause, injury, and weight gain, all worked together to make running the most challenging of the three sports. Gone were the days of going faster, longer and feeling stronger. The question wasn’t, would I stop running? The question was, how could I enjoy the sport differently?
The universe was busy and conspired to work in my favour. My friend and coach colleague, Erin Parr, put Chi Walking/Running back into my life. We took a few small group sessions with retired Master Coach Angela, and immediately, I found a new way to love my favourite sport.
In 2020, I became a certified Chi Walking and Running instructor, complementing my Total Immersion Master coach status and Triathlon Coaching certifications.
I look forward to sharing my love of the Chi programs with you 🏊🏼♀️🚴🏻♂️🏃🏼♀️
Learn more about our walking and running sessions
*(Chi does not mean it is from Chicago, nor part of the Chicago run club, and the Chicago Blackhawks did not influence it. I have had this question numerous times when wearing my Chi gear😂)
