Tag: Fitness

Time to practice Tai Chi

Carol Emerson Tai Chi is an ancient system of exercise that originated in the Taoist temples of China over 2000 years ago. The monks of the temples developed Tai Chi as a way to keep themselves physically fit while spending many hours in meditation and also as a means (they hoped) to obtain longevity, even…

Moving forward with resolutions

Susan Dawson-Cook, M.S. Making a commitment or a New Year’s resolution can be exciting. You envision the personal growth and positive change and it brings a smile to your face at least at first. Then comes the moment of truth when it’s time to put words into action. Many people kicked off the New Year…

Regina Pang promoted to Green Belt

Carol Emerson I am very pleased to announce that SaddleBrooke resident Regina Pang has been awarded the rank of Green Belt in the Ching Yi Kung Fu Tucson martial arts system (part of the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association, an international martial arts group). Regina has studied with me for over six years and has…

Happy New Rear! Join the classes

Ann Hamm On the first day of this month many of us resolved with great courage of conviction to exercise more and stick to a workout plan, making New Year, New Rear our fitness mantra and feeling more empowered than ever to get to work and pull it off; however, studies show that within six…

8 practice tips to stay fit at Christmas

Christmas is approaching fast and lots of people not only tend to ruin their usual diets, but they also gain a few extra pounds. Based on studies, the majority of people tend to gain additional weight during the holiday season that starts at Thanksgiving Day and ends with the New Year celebrations. Excessive eating is…

Time out for me

Susan Dawson-Cook People who have never exercised regularly tend to continue the inactivity habit even after retirement. The suggestion that there are not enough hours in the day to fit in a workout wasn’t a valid excuse when you were employed and certainly isn’t now. Don’t allow this false belief obstruct your path to a…

Tai-Chi = balance, strength and flexibility

Carol Emerson Do you want to continue to live an active, healthy and independent life? Me too – that’s why I practice Tai Chi. First let’s look at the physical benefits. The slow, flowing movements gently coax our bodies to stretch and reach and increase our range of motion. The bent knee posture from which…

All about Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a series of individual dance-like movements that flow smoothly from one to another in a sequence. When it is performed, Tai Chi synthesizes elements of movement, mind and breath, making it a mind-directed moving exercise. With Tai Chi practice, the body becomes stronger and more supple. It could…

Exercise is really good for you… until it’s not!

Joe Pinella You’ve heard the benefits of exercise: A fit and healthy body, reduced risk of cardio-vascular disease and other diseases of aging, weight control, improved mood, more energy, better sleep—the list goes on. If doctors could prescribe this in a pill form, then exercise would be the most effective medication in the history of…

Look inward instead of in the mirror

Susan Dawson-Cook Looking in mirrors is discouraged in yoga classes. In fact, most yoga studios have only walls and windows so there’s no temptation to look. By relying on body cues instead of reflections, students tend to perform appropriate movements for their bodies and avoid imitating others. Studying your reflection isn’t always constructive. One self-critical…