If you’ve ever been duped into trying a fad diet or novelty exercise program in the hopes that you’ll finally stick to your new year’s resolutions, you know the struggle of finding something that works. If you want a health practice that really works, why not try something that’s been proven to work over thousands of years?
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that unites gentle, flowing movements with deep breathing and meditation as a form of exercise and wellness. Definitely not a trending form of exercise, tai chi has been referred to as “medication in motion” by the Harvard School of Medicine.
“Tai chi has been said to mitigate symptoms of age-related chronic conditions and even might improve your memory,” says Alexa Waldrip, recreation services manager with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. “It can provide research-supported healing, and support for those with memory loss, dementia, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, fibromyalgia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and back and spinal problems. Additionally, it can reduce stress and increase physical strength, mobility, balance and endurance.”
Tai chi classes are offered in Carmel as part of the Parks & Recreation program. Participants can take part in an all-levels class or select a targeted class that focuses on skills specific to that level. The program has been running successfully for seven years.
“When a local community tai chi instructor reached out about teaching, we were happy to add a new program to our catalog,” says Waldrip. “Tai chi classes quickly became popular and we were able to offer more advanced classes. The program has developed to include traditional and contemporary tai chi and qigong routines, Lunch and Learn programs, World Tai Chi Day, and open-house celebrations.”
The classes are offered in seven-week sessions. Most attendees come to a weekly class, while others sign up for multiple sessions to maximize their practice. Classes are available on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Exact dates, times and pricing can be found online at carmelclayparks.com/program-offerings.
“Many of our tai chi members have been with us for years and years,” says Waldrip. “We have many participants now that started in our beginner tai chi programs that have now excelled all the way through to our advanced tai chi programs.”
The Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation team appreciates the impact tai chi has had on the surrounding community, helping to unite locals around a greater sense of well-being.
“Tai chi brings a different kind of fitness to the community for those who may feel left out or intimidated by a traditional gym environment,” says Waldrip. “The focus is not just on physical, but also mental well-being. One international study conducted by a team of neurologists from Florida and Shanghai found individuals who practiced tai chi three times a week actually developed increases in brain size, and improved their scores on psychological tests for cognition and memory.”
People of all ages and fitness levels are invited to take part in the tai chi program. Waldrip encourages anyone to try it regardless of what they feel about the current state of their physical health.
“Tai chi is fun to do and has no barriers,” she says. “Tai chi can be practiced regardless of age, weight or physical ability, although some forms are more suitable for specific individuals than others. It requires no special equipment or clothing, and can be done from standing and seated positions.”
Waldrip hopes to see more community members take advantage of their tai chi program and the benefits that follow.
“Tai chi is a low-impact workout that is proven to benefit muscle strength and bone density, flexibility, and balance and coordination,” she says. “While tai chi is what you make it, we hope to help people get in their daily exercise, while also reducing stress in a group setting with an experienced instructor.”
