Tag: exercise

Shorter days, longer tai chi, something else?

annebower

Now that the days provide less light, now that we’ll be indoors more, it’s time to figure out the indoor activities that will keep our minds and bodies happy. Blessings on those of you who are dedicated skiers, snow-shoers, or intrepid hikers who brave subzero temps and wind. Yes, I enjoy walking our dirt road on a sunny winter day when the wind behaves, sure to use the yaktraks (or other grippers) when weather demands it. But why not make a winter project out of what you’ll do indoors? Keep a journal of what you do for yourself each day and you’ll find greater satisfaction at sticking with whatever routines you devise. Maybe you lift some weights, use stretchy rubber bands, do stair steps, use videos online for yoga, zumba, or other exercises. Maybe you take a class by Zoom (tai chi, yoga, other). Perhaps you have a stationery bike or treadmill and decide to regularly use it–say 3 or 4 times a week.

Maybe, like me, you decide this is a good time to really practice tai chi. Remember all those videos I have on the website for you? Use them? Or go to youtube and find others you like and play with those. ALL tai chi works your balance, provides a gentle way to strengthen your legs and improve your coordination, calm your mind, and lift your spirit.

Certainly going to a gym or swimming pool is a great option, so long as the drive feels safe, and you find the cost affordable.

It’s recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of reasonably vigorous exercise a day. The best exercise, as we are told, is the one YOU WILL ACTUALLY DO. I hope you can find entertaining ways to stay active. Good luck!

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.