I want to continue to live an active, healthy and independent life which is why I practice Tai Chi. The slow, flowing movements coax our bodies to stretch and reach increasing our range of motion. The bent knee posture used in the form builds leg and hip strength and Tai Chi’s slow stepping makes our feet and ankles more flexible. These things build stability and help prevent falling.
Tai Chi helps keep us young and strong emotionally and mentally too. In SaddleBrooke, the form we teach consists of 17 movements (for beginning students) and 108 (for advanced students) practiced in a linked series. Students have to remember both the sequence and the movements themselves. This can be challenging but it keeps those neural pathways open and flexible. It is fun to learn new things and be with new people, especially things that contribute to long term happiness.
You may have noticed that as we age, we tend to be more reactive to events and circumstances than we used to be. We can even become irritable, anxious and depressed. It seems we lose the ability to go with the flow. Tai Chi can create an inner state of relaxation and calm just as a meditation practice can do. Deep, relaxed breathing underlies the physical form and as we practice, we can experience a feeling of peace and well-being.
The beginning class takes place on Fridays at the HOA-1 fitness center from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A $10 donation per class is suggested. No prior experience needed.
Your instructors, Kenny and Carol Emerson, have been students of martial arts for over 30 years. Both are black belts, certified by the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association, an international organization dedicated to the practice of Kung Fu for health and peace of mind.
For more information, call (520) 373-3778. Look forward to seeing you.