Tai chi is not comprised of postures

When tai chi is shown in books or photographs, the conclusion of the movement is shown.
This is regarded as being a static 'posture' akin to a yoga posture e.g. warrior.

To see tai chi in this way is erroneous and will lead to a great misunderstanding of the art.The only static posture encountered in a tai chi class is standing qigong (and this is not tai chi).

Confusing tai chi and yoga

Tai chi first came to the widespread attention of Western students in the 1960's.
A popular Eastern discipline at that time was yoga.
People saw tai chi as being 'moving yoga' - an erroneous and woefully simplistic comparison.
To quote Bruce Frantzis:

How do yoga and tai chi compare?

Here is a very simple way to explain the difference: in tai chi, you relax to stretch; in yoga, you stretch to relax. Tai chi emphasizes stretching through sophisticated dynamic fluid motions rather than by holding static postures. Yoga tends to use more extreme stretches than tai chi and some postures lock the joints and arch the back, which never happens in tai chi. These poses can be difficult for those with back or joint problems.
(Bruce Frantzis)

Yoga & tai chi

People sometimes muddle-up tai chi and yoga.
It is common to see yoga postures labelled "tai chi" on Pinterest, Facebook etc.
Such confusion is only possible when a person has studied neither yoga nor tai chi chuan, for the arts are very different indeed.

Yoga is about stretching, balancing and physical unity. Tai chi chuan is a style of kung fu; a martial art.
The differences significantly outweigh any superficial similarities.

Conventional exercise

Weight lifting, gym work, jogging, sport, yoga and pilates are commonly practiced forms of exercise.
As you grow older, they become increasingly difficult to perform.

Tai chi training is not strenuous or stressful.
You undertake regular training and let the mild exercise build up layers of strength.
Instead of feeling tired, you feel energised and full of vitality.

Mild stretches

Taoist Yoga is a gentle way to exercise the body:

• Simple to perform
• Easy to learn
• Improves balance
• Stress-relief
• Meditation exercise
• Encourages a calm mind and composed emotions
• Energises
• Does not strain the body
• Strength-building
• Emphasis is placed upon allowing rather than forcing
• Improves skeletal alignment and poise
• Low-impact
• No exotic/strenuous postures
• Can be practiced by most people