Tag: balance

New Year’s Resolution

annebower

If you are reading this, you already have an interest in tai chi or perhaps practice it. Well and good! You know how much it helps you. How about spreading the word, encouraging others to give it a try? You will be doing others a favor this way.

Of course, tai chi isn’t everyone’s favorite. But we all need activities in our lives that give us the joy of learning new things, social interaction, and physicality. Perhaps your choice is dancing, singing, yoga,making music, participating in a walking group that explores new trails. Whatever it may be, I sure hope you are enjoying it and benefiting from it. The great thing about tai chi is that even though it’s slow and gentle, the movements gradually train your body for better balance and coordination, your stress abates, and you feel more focused.

The organization to which I belong, Tai Chi Vermont, trains and mentors tai chi instructors. We have about 100 certified instructors throughout the state. If you want to contact oneof them and see what classes they are offering, simply go to the website and click on: “find a class”: www.taichivermont.org

Here’s to a Healthy New Year for you!!

September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month

annebower

What are you doing to keep yourself safe? Have you made modifications in your home — grab bars, removal of throw rugs, better lighting, new stair railings? Have you undertaken an exercise program (or two!!)? Tai chi, Yoga, Walk with Ease, Bone Builders, Aquarobics–they’re all good. Are you doing more balance exercises during the day, like standing on one leg (maybe with a reassuring finger on a chair back or counter) or some squats? Have you had your vision and hearing tested lately? Yes–hearing can make a difference to your balance. Are you reminding yourself to be more mindful, take your time to accomplish tasks, stop hurrying here and there–this isn’t just a good fall prevention strategy, it adds to the pleasure you get doing even the smallest task. And remember too that some deep, meditative breathing can help reduce stress and tension; when you are stressed out and tense you are more likely to trip, bump into things, and fall.

As we sometimes say at this time of year: The beautiful autumn leaves fall, but we don’t have to!!

“I’m old, so what!”

annebower
A tai chi class with four participants practicing the 'wave hands in the clouds' movement, showing focus and engagement.

The August 9th edition of The Valley News carried a long article about older people teaching exercise classes. Kudos to the photographer and journalist who spent time at my Woodstock classes and did a great job. The article covers other instructors too. Above you see me with 3 students in our Beginner class, enjoying “wave hands in the clouds” together. It’s twenty years now that I’ve been teaching tai chi, and I still get a kick out of seeing the progress people make when they attend classes regularly–learning the tai chi forms, yes, but also improving their balance and awareness.