I heard this on the news today and then found it all over the media – for example here at the Telegraph
It seems that a 12-year research project has found that middle-aged and elderly people who cannot balance on one leg for 10 seconds are almost twice as likely to die within 10 years as those who can. I understand that on this occasion the risks are linked mainly but not exclusively to strokes. Given that the WHO found Tai Chi offered a 50% reduction in vulnerability to falls in older people then Tai Chi becomes a no-brainer – like my own “over 50’s” classes.
This bonafide international research covered 1,702 people aged between 51 and 75 between 2008 and 2020. Given that Tai Chi is already well recognised as helping to aid balance at all ages it must be good news for long-term practitioners. People do have trouble in doing things just because it is good for us, however – so it is great that Tai Chi is also good fun and a pleasant social activity – for example, my own classes in the Swiss Garden at Shuttleworth.
The original piece was published in the British Journal of Sports medicine
So if I am to do Tai Chi, what might I expect? Well in my experience regular practice of Tai Chi leads to change including:
Relaxes and loosens the body – aids healing
Improves balance control
Gives better posture
Aids resilience
Increases confidence
Then if we are to change then we must expect our bodies to feel differently which takes a while for us to notice.
Yesterday we had what I think is probably the perfect session of Tai Chi in the garden – a brilliant group of mixed beginners and regulars turned up to enjoy the weather and were treated to “Snowy” the Swiss Garden white Peacock who paid us a visit by walking through the middle of the class to take up residence under a nearby tree – where he displayed for the rest of the lesson.
We went over loosening exercises and the initial moves of the Laojia form with everybody working attentively and supportively. I certainly appreciate these monthly classes and hope to see more people who enjoy relaxed group movement in such a delightful garden. Please see here for further classes.
Continuing our very pleasant monthly classes at the Swiss Garden Shuttleworth I look forward to seeing our regular students and some new faces on the 9th June at 10.30am. Contact the Swiss Garden direct.
Alongside that our annual Tai Chi residential is open for bookings – from the afternoon of Friday September 2nd to Sunday afternoon on the 4th we will be at Belsey Bridge near Bungay for a weekend of Tai Chi and other relaxation – cost £320 for full board and tuition.
Contact me to book at [email protected]
New Scientist this week carries a feature article entitled “The Matrix Inside You – A guide to your fascia – the vital organ you never knew you had.” The article gives many thoughts on fascia and ways we can pursue an interest – for myself that would be both healthwise and in martial application – how does it feel to possess an elastic inner suit that not only keeps you all together but also helps to regulate your body?
Read here in New Scientist
Our festival yesterday was a lovely mix of activities with visitors arriving in groups throughout the day – there was a good level of interest in the Tai Chi exercises and our weekly classes held on Monday afternoons at 2.30 and Sunday at 6.30. I was able to spend time with each enquirer and answered many questions – I look forward to seeing some new faces at the beginners classes.
It was great that the weather was good all day and we had a lot of drop-in visitors for the Tai Chi and for our guest Naomi Brown, who attracted many people who came to visit her for Reiki or Numerology.
I was personally interested in the demonstration of Krav Magar by Paul Forster – especially as I took the part of “uke” and ended up being thrown on the floor for the first time in around 20 years – it was good to find that I was still OK with it – although I definitely don’t bounce as well as I used to!
We had an interesting demonstration of a new take on Tai Chi sword play with the emphasis on play – with light sabres! Sort of Star Wars meets Chinese sword – which looks like good fun. This is a Wu style Tai Chi Dao form but modified with LED sabres. It was demonstrated by Boz Bozier and can be found at https://silver-sabres.com/
My thanks to the students who came to help organise the banners and food – donations for food raised £20 which will be passed on to a local homeless charity.
Once again I am really looking forward to our monthly Tai Chi class in the Swiss Garden on Thursday May 5th – where I fully expect to enjoy a lovely session on the lawn.
The class has proven to be nicely relaxed with a core of beginners who are gradually learning the standard form together with a number of people who drop in to experience relaxed movement in a delightful natural environment. It makes for a nice group dynamic and for myself I like to grab a coffee at 10.00 in the Discovery Centre then go out to take the class – while students may prefer to wander the gardens after the class and return to the cafe for lunch.
The Swiss Garden team have a full program of Tai Chi, Yoga and Sound Bath experiences in 2022.
I am looking forward to an interesting day on this Saturday 30th at the Community Hall where the Shefford Tai Chi group will hold an open day of demonstrations and taster sessions from 10.00am to 4.00pm – all are welcome and there is no charge – refreshments by donation to charity.
We will be welcoming Krav Magar – Israeli unarmed combat – in the afternoon and Naomi from Soul 2 Soul Combined in the morning. Naomi is an intuitive spiritual energy healer providing Numerology readings for adults, children and business names and Angel Card readings. Naomi is also a Reiki Master and sells natural, luxurious Aroma Milk Bath products. we may also have Hannah who is a PT, massage therapist and nutrition coach who specialises in older adults and Pilates.
I will myself be doing Tai Chi demos and taster classes – I will also be available to discuss Tai Chi in general and to work with individuals for specific questions.
It seems that Thursday is not a good day to attend a Tai Chi class – and numbers are simply not sustainable, so regrettably, I must cancel this slot. I will look forward to seeing you all on Sunday evenings and Monday afternoons.
