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Instructors Certified to Teach Tai Chi for Arthritis
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Lots of Qi (pronounced chee), or energy, was floating around the Camden Community Recreation Center this past weekend during the county's first Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor's workshop. Participants from Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Virginia joined locals for a fun filled, but intense Saturday and Sunday.
"This weekend, you'll learn how teach an exercise program that's based on Tai Chi principles; one that's medically responsible, safe and effective," said Master Trainer Patricia Lawson as she opened the workshop.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise with its roots in martial arts. Nowadays, it is practiced throughout the world for its many health benefits. Medical studies have shown that its slow, continuous movements help to increase flexibility, balance and strength.
"Tai chi, like walking, accelerates the heart rate," said Master Trainer and retired Navy submariner Marty Kidder, "but the blood oxygenation and circulation (achieved) is better than walking."
The Tai Chi for Health programs are designed by Paul Lam, a family physician and Tai Chi Master in Australia. Based on Sun style Tai Chi, the Tai Chi for Arthritis form helps to improve mobility by using forward and backward steps in an upright position. It also contains a lot of Qigong movements. Qigong is an ancient Chinese art and science and means working with the Qi - or life energy.
"Qigong helps with breathing and relaxation," said Lawson. "It is particularly effective for healing and repairing cartilage, inflamed joints and tendons."
"I came for an update," said Lynn Norris, from Hamilton. Tai Chi for Arthritis instructors must be re-certified every two years.
Physical therapist Gina Gerona, tasked with starting an exercise program at the Jacksonville nursing home where she works, found the workshop to be exactly what she was seeking.
"I wanted certification before I started teaching," said Gerona. I'm really glad I came to this workshop. There's a nice positive atmosphere, and it's a beautiful facility."
"I came to learn a different kind of martial art," said Audrey St. John a message therapist and Black Belt martial artist from Kingsland, "but mostly (I came) to learn how to help clients who have arthritis and limited range of motion."
Arlene Huber, from St. Marys, felt right at home. She's been attending Tai Chi classes at the Recreation Center for over 18 months. With certification in hand, she's now looking forward to helping expand this program.
For more information about Tai Chi for Health programs go to www.taichiforhealth.com. For information about Tai Chi for Health classes in Camden, contact Maureen Miller at camdentaichi@mac.com.
"This weekend, you'll learn how teach an exercise program that's based on Tai Chi principles; one that's medically responsible, safe and effective," said Master Trainer Patricia Lawson as she opened the workshop.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise with its roots in martial arts. Nowadays, it is practiced throughout the world for its many health benefits. Medical studies have shown that its slow, continuous movements help to increase flexibility, balance and strength.
"Tai chi, like walking, accelerates the heart rate," said Master Trainer and retired Navy submariner Marty Kidder, "but the blood oxygenation and circulation (achieved) is better than walking."
The Tai Chi for Health programs are designed by Paul Lam, a family physician and Tai Chi Master in Australia. Based on Sun style Tai Chi, the Tai Chi for Arthritis form helps to improve mobility by using forward and backward steps in an upright position. It also contains a lot of Qigong movements. Qigong is an ancient Chinese art and science and means working with the Qi - or life energy.
"Qigong helps with breathing and relaxation," said Lawson. "It is particularly effective for healing and repairing cartilage, inflamed joints and tendons."
"I came for an update," said Lynn Norris, from Hamilton. Tai Chi for Arthritis instructors must be re-certified every two years.
Physical therapist Gina Gerona, tasked with starting an exercise program at the Jacksonville nursing home where she works, found the workshop to be exactly what she was seeking.
"I wanted certification before I started teaching," said Gerona. I'm really glad I came to this workshop. There's a nice positive atmosphere, and it's a beautiful facility."
"I came to learn a different kind of martial art," said Audrey St. John a message therapist and Black Belt martial artist from Kingsland, "but mostly (I came) to learn how to help clients who have arthritis and limited range of motion."
Arlene Huber, from St. Marys, felt right at home. She's been attending Tai Chi classes at the Recreation Center for over 18 months. With certification in hand, she's now looking forward to helping expand this program.
For more information about Tai Chi for Health programs go to www.taichiforhealth.com. For information about Tai Chi for Health classes in Camden, contact Maureen Miller at camdentaichi@mac.com.
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