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Tai chi class provides low-impact exercise
Tai chi is low-key exercise
Date published: 6/24/2007
By KIM BAER Soothing music was playing in the background as a handful of us gathered in the exercise room. It was a Friday evening, and I was at my first beginner tai chi class at the Dorothy Hart Community Center in Fredericksburg. The class was billed as a low-impact exercise that's safe for all ages. The practice can improve balance and lower blood pressure. Many practitioners believe tai chi can also reduce stress and alleviate depression. And it looks really cool, like ballet for the rest of us. This was the first class of an 11-week session. Most of the participants looked to be in their 30s and 40s. The class was led by Charles Riley, who studied under pioneering practitioner Da Liu and has practiced tai chi since 1980. He also teaches classes through Spotsylvania County's Parks and Recreation Department. We were arranged in a circle around Riley, facing a mirrored wall. He first gave the class some history of the practice. Tai chi is sometimes referred to as "Chinese yoga" or "walking meditation," he said. Tai chi uses deep belly breathing, Riley explained. This breathing is second nature to children, but we lose it when we grow older. He told us more about the history of the practice and the movements. In the beginners classes, Riley teaches 13 movements. Each one builds on the other, he told us. After the explanations, it was time to practice. To prepare, Riley asked us to stand still and calm our minds. He talked about the importance of the yin and yang forces. We first did the Chinese standing meditation movement. This is pretty much as it sounds: We were to breathe in as we extended our arms out and up, and then were to breathe out as we lowered our arms and bent our knees. The next movement required a little more effort. Riley led us through Grasp Bird, meant to mimic petting a bird. With one of our hands we were to "hold" a bird, while with the other we glided over the "feathers." The flowing movement took only a few tries to get the swing of, and felt lovely. The exercise required concentration, but not a great deal of physical strength. The practice seems to have rightly earned its reputation as good exercise for seniors. I'm a 32-year-old of average health, and could do the class movements without breaking a sweat. Best of all, lying on the couch watching a movie later that night, I still felt relaxed. I'd recommend the classes for those seeking low-key, gentle exercise. Kim Baer: 540/368-5028
Date published: 6/24/2007
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