Holistic wellness with Tai Chi for arthritis and fall prevention
Looking for a low-impact exercise that benefits both the body and the mind without leaving you tired and sore? Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements with mindfulness, is a great holistic approach to well-being that offers a wealth of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.
It is easy to underestimate the power of Tai Chi. The movements may be slow and deliberate, but they engage the entire body and mind as they strengthen muscles while also improving flexibility, coordination, posture, body awareness and balance. Numerous studies have been published in medical journals such as Harvard Health Publishing and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showing that practicing Tai Chi cannot only improve overall health and reduce arthritic or chronic pain, but can also significantly reduce the risk of falls in older adults, making it a valuable tool for maintaining independence and preventing injuries.
The benefits of Tai Chi also extends far beyond the physical. Research has shown the practice’s effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety, and some studies have even suggested that it may help prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Moreover, the meditative aspect of tai chi can enhance one’s present-moment awareness or mindfulness, a quality that can benefit people of all ages in navigating the complexities of our daily lives.
Finding the best Tai Chi class for you is an important first step, especially for those with arthritis and other chronic conditions. While it is possible to learn some basic moves from a DVD or YouTube video, these can be difficult to follow and it is very important to perform the movements correctly to prevent injury. The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Program was developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician and Tai Chi expert in Australia. This program uses the Sun Style of Tai Chi — a beautiful, flowing form that was specifically designed to be safe, easy on the joints, and easy to learn for beginning adults and seniors.
New Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention classes are forming now in Elk Grove Village and Medinah. Class sizes are limited, so please register early. These classes are taught by Diana Nielsen, a licensed occupational therapy assistant and certified instructor for the Tai Chi for Health Institute, who has been teaching this program for over six years.
Ruth Valentino, who takes her Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention classes, says “It’s amazing how much this class has helped me. In the beginning, I had a lot of knee pain and wasn’t able to stand for the entire class. Practicing Tai Chi has really helped with the pain, increased the strength in my legs and greatly improved my balance.”
Each Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class consists of warm up and cool down exercises, a review of previously learned moves, and the learning of one or two new moves in a positive and supportive learning environment. Over the course of this six-week program, participants will begin to build the balance and strength that is so important in our daily activities as well as in stabilizing and protecting arthritic joints.
The Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital, 935 Beisner Road, in Elk Grove Village, will be offering two new six-week Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention classes, one starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, and another startingat 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The cost for these programs is $60 for the six one-hour sessions, with one session per week. Registration is required in advance for these classes and can be done by calling the Alexian Outpatient Therapy Desk at (847) 981-5556, option 2.
The Medinah Park District will also be offering a class starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan.11, at the Connolly Recreation Center, 22W130 Thorndale Ave., in Medinah. The cost for this program is $65 for the six one-hour sessions, with a discount for local park district residents. Registration is required in advance for this class on the Medinah Park District’s website or in person at the Connolly Center.
For information on this program, please email the instructor at TCAFP.DN@GMAIL.COM.