- Older Adults Tai Chi

What is Older Adults Tai Chi?
These classes are designed for people who cannot stand for long periods and find regular classes too taxing. They incorporate relaxed body movements and gentle, but deep breathing exercises, to raise the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. People with arthritis, bad circulation, high blood pressure, poor balance or breathing problems would all benefit but you don't have to have any health problems to attend these classes.
The food we eat and the way we treat our bodies will be reflected in the life we lead. Take regular exercise and eat healthy food and our chances of good health are increased, though not guaranteed! Chinese medicine classics state that "in the old days the sages treated disease by preventing illness before it began...if someone digs a well when thirsty one cannot help but ask: Are not these actions too late?" It's never too late to start looking after yourself so whatever your age from 70 -100 come along!
All the movements and exercises which are taught at these classes come from the traditional forms and have the same effect on the body, the only difference is that they are performed sitting on a chair.

The classes are broken in to three sections, these include;

Part one.
Warm-up. All joints from the fingers to the toes are gently exercised. In Chinese it is known as "oiling the joints" as it helps all the joints to move correctly and remove stiffness. Particular care is taken anywhere arthritis is present so as not to inflame tender areas. In Chinese medical theory energy flows through the joints and if there are blockages or restricted flow illness can occur. When an area is sore we tend to guard this part and avoid using it or any movement which may result in further pain. These actions become habit and slowly the area stops functioning correctly. The aim of this part of the class is to "breathe life" into these guarded areas and teach you a sequence which you can practice everyday to mobilize all parts of your body.

Part Two.
Eight Pieces of Brocade, or Ba Duan Jin in Chinese, are a sequence of exercises which build on the warm-up movements. The eight parts were designed by Chinese Masters hundreds of years ago to help energy move around the body to further open joints and stimulate the nervous system. The movements have been adapted and in this case are performed while seated with the body relaxed. The movements are all titled with typically poetic chinese names such as "Holding Heaven and Earth" and "Drawing The Bow". These same movements are also used by martial artists, but are executed in a more vigorous manner, while standing in various positions and postures and are used to strengthen the body both internally and externally. This sequence was developed by my master Shifu Wen Linjun's Grandfather Shifu Peng Qin.

Part Three.
Tai Chi. This part of the class can be performed seated or standing, the choice is with the participant, movements are taken from longer sequences and adapted. Movements with names such as "Cloud Hands" or ( Yun Shou), "Single Whip" (Dan Bian) and "Grasp The Sparrows Tail" (Lan Quewei) are performed to stengthen the body both inside and out. The body is relax, the mind calm and focused and the breath follows the movement.

The main goal of these classes is to raise the quality of life, bringing people together to enjoy the company of others while learning new and enjoyable ways to lead a healthy life.

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