From a recent article in Wall Street Journal (October 9, 2007: “Senior Play: The Graying of Sports Medicine”)
“As the body ages, muscles become slower and weaker, most significantly affecting speed, balance and the ability to recover from injuries. Researchers and doctors say to compensate for these changes, older athletes should focus more on balance and flexibility, in addition to pure strength and cardiovascular training.
“Balance…is emerging as an important element for older people, according to doctors, researchers…Older muscles are smaller and slower and respond less efficiently when we need to brace ourselves, making us more vulnerable to falls, says Marjorie Woollacott, director of the Motor Control Lab at the University of Oregon’s Department of Human Physiology in Eugene.
“Practicing tai chi, a form of martial art, helps both healthy and frail individuals improve balance, according to several studies, including a recent randomized controlled trial published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric society.”
Many of our Tai Chi students start their Tai Chi training expecting the learning curve to be similar to Step Aerobics or Line Dancing. They become frustrated and quit when they realize that after several months, they still cannot competently perform the basic Yang 10 form, much less the Yang 24, Combination 12, Chen 36 or (heaven forbid) Yang 108 which they are also exposed to.
It is my understanding that at Beijing University, a course in the Yang 10 form lasts a year.In truth, you never really learn Tai Chi. Tai Chi is not something you master; it is a journey in itself. As you move along on your journey, you get better and better at Tai Chi, but it only serves to make you realize how little you know about it. Were you to truly master Tai Chi, what would you do next? So, relax and enjoy your journey, and be happy that Tai Chi will always be with you.
Newswise Medical News reports on a new study by The Cochrane Collaboration. The study shows that older adults who engage in walking, strength and balance training, dancing and tai chi have improved balance, which decreases their risk for falls.
After engaging in an exercise program, study participants achieved improvements in different kinds of balance measures including walking speed, standing on one leg and reaching forward without tipping over.
Read the full story here.
This 100% cotton t-shirt comes in sizes small through extra large. On the front is an image of Master So meditating and on the back the image of yin-yang and the Chinese characters for Dao, Eternity, and Qi. Below this is Master So’s web address, www.grandmasterso.net. Find it and our other items for sale in our Products area.
Remember that there is also the Tai Chi Interactive Cafepress Store. We have ordered some things here ourselves and are very pleased with the quality! Don’t hesitate to get a t-shirt, bag, or wall clock from Cafepress.com.
I have been doing Tai Chi for 5 years and Kung Fu for about 18 months. I have had arthritis in my hips and hands now for about 13 years.My left hip is so troublesome that I have had several injections of cortisone to relieve the accompanying bursitis. At my last injection, the doctor told me that if I have any more trouble I will need a hip replacement.
It may sound crazy but instead of slowing down with my martial arts practice, I decided to crank it up. To my three Tai Chi classes per week, I added another Tai Chi class and two Kung Fu classes.
Surprisingly, I have experienced a lot of relief from my hip troubles. Now I am practicing making Kung Fu fists to loosen up the joints in my hands.
I strongly recommend Tai Chi especially for easing the troubles caused by arthritis; however, as with any exercise routine, make sure to discuss your intentions with your doctor before beginning any such program.
One of the primary reasons why I have made Tai Chi a priority in my life year after year is that it helps me deal with my stressful Information Technology career. No matter how hectic things get at work, I can always look forward to a relaxing, stress-free, stress-relieving environment at least three hours a week when I go to Tai Chi class. An article in Kentucky.com details some of Tai Chi’s stress-relieving benefits:
Tai chi’s slow movements a cure for fast-paced life
By David Blackburn
To get the most out of tai chi, there are certain things you don’t do, said an instructor of the slow-motion martial art.One is trying to get a lot out of it quickly, said Patty Sheaffer, 59, of Owensboro.
You let the ability come to you, not the other way around, she said.
Read More…
You can now buy Tai Chi Interactive branded merchandise at our own Cafepress Store. There are tshirts available in many sizes, sweatshirts, caps, bags, a mouse pad and a wall clock.
We’ve also been making many changes to the website which includes a Video Vault where you can watch video clips of Master So. We plan to add more and better quality videos in the near future, so watch this space!
When performing Tai Chi, visualize the Dragon. When you see a Dragon, it brings to mind the qualities of wisdom, power, and endurance.
A Dragon’s movements revolve, like silk threads being pulled from a cocoon. The movements, if done right, resolve into figure 8′s. This type of movement develops the muscles and balance on both sides of the body. As Tai Chi develops the body, it at the same time develops an inner strength and wisdom through awareness, outward flexibility, and internal power…like the Dragon, pulling silk from the cocoon.
I am happy to announce that Tai Chi Interactive is now offering a blog space that will feature blogs from your editor, Joyce McDonald (me) and Grandmaster Yong So. We hope these offerings will add meaning to your life and help you to understand and perform Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Kung Fu successfully.
