Carol Emerson
Tai Chi has always been a key component of Chinese health and fitness practices. With its gentle movements and meditative aspects, it is a perfect way to open the mind and body to a new, healthful, balanced way of being. It is no wonder that Tai Chi has grown in popularity throughout the world.
Tai Chi is typified by slow, deliberate movements that emphasize coordination and relaxation rather than muscular tension. Some of the benefits of Tai Chi which have been documented in various studies over the last ten years are reduced blood pressure, improved strength and flexibility (especially in the knees and hips), less risk of falls, improved mood, less anxiety and depression and pain relief. Doctors often recommend Tai Chi for their patients after surgery, as part of rehabilitation programs, or to improve balance.
Integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil says: “Tai chi is especially beneficial for those with osteoarthritis. It can help strengthen leg muscles, improve posture and promote balance, flexibility and mobility. It also can teach relaxation and focus and is a way to synchronize the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It helps many to develop concentration and coordination and can reduce the risk of falls, a common concern of older people.”
Tai Chi is also beneficial for our memory. Students learn a series of flowing moves, most of which are unfamiliar to us in everyday life. Beginning students learn the first 17 moves of the Yang Style Long Form and advanced students learn 108 moves. While the moves are not difficult, remembering the sequence challenges the brain to remember the sequence as well as how to perform the movements. Our teacher calls this “creating new grooves in the neural pathways.”
Here are some comments from our students:
“Tai Chi has helped so much with my pain; I felt better right away” – Phyllis Hoag
“Tai-Chi has helped me both physically and spiritually; I think it is one of the most beneficial activities one can learn how to do. I have had two hip replacements, two knee replacements and five back surgeries including spinal fusion—Tai chi helps my ability to move and stretch plus it helps with chronic pain and anxiety. Thank you for giving me this gift” – Alice Rosenkrans
Your instructors, Carol and Ken Emerson, have been teaching Tai Chi in SaddleBrooke for nine years and have been studying martial arts for over 30 years. They are members of the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association, which traces its lineage back to Yang, Cheng-Fu and Yang, Lu-Chan – the founders of the Yang School of Tai Chi.
Beginning class:
Wednesday 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Begins November)
Fridays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Sundays 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Intermediate
Saturdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Advanced
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information on Tai Chi or to register for class, please contact Carol or Ken Emerson at 825-9206. $11 per class or six classes for $54 if you buy the tickets.