SPORTS TRAINING TOOL: RiverCourt Residents Embrace Tai Chi
Taoist Tai Chi is a low impact exercise based on ancient martial arts movements. It is an effective way of restoring and maintaining natural health through the use of gentle movements that improve the health of body, mind, and spirit.
Regular practice of tai chi can bring a wide range of health benefits to the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. The flowing movements serve as a moving meditation that reduces stress and provides a way to cultivate body and mind. Tai chi is not to be confused with martial arts that emphasize self-defense and competition.
Taijiquan, often shortened to tai chi in English usage, is also the ultimate sports training tool because its goal is improving the health, both mentally and physically and to cultivate balance, calm and power, the basis for excelling in any physical activity.
The International Taoist Tai Chi Society has branches in the USA and in 30 countries around the world. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012.
Last winter, longtime tai chi practitioner Jane Mingolelli offered the idea of bringing tai chi to RiverCourt Residences in West Groton to activities director Emma Riffelmacher who responded enthusiastically.
Administrators gave their approval and sessions have been ongoing for the past four months with residents beginning to reap the health benefits of this physical and mental activity. Weekly class participation usually involves 8-10 residents.
Instructor Ray Caisse, assisted by Mingolelli, teaches the class using the Tai Chi Health Recovery Program which is in its 15th year. It enables participants to exercise seated while those who are able to, stand. The Health Recovery Program "makes the benefits of Taoist Tai Chi available to everyone, no matter their present health circumstances." (Bruce McFarlane, Medical Director Health Recovery Program). This option is what made it so attractive to Mrs. Riffelmacher and the residents.
"I love this class!" said Francis Gibson, age 92. "At first, I was restricted to exercising sitting but not anymore. I love stretching and moving again. My whole attitude is so positive now."
After a short warm-up of exercises called "jongs", instructor Caisse suggests, "Let's get started." Each series of moves has a name."Brush Knee, Strum the Pei Pa," he cues and the class comes alive as the residents, with light stretching and balancing, follow his cues. Sometimes arm or foot coordination gets mixed up. "Your other left," he tells a student and laughter ensues!
"This is fun," said 84 year old Joyce Olson. "It gives me something to look forward to all week."
A Tai Chi set takes approximately 20 minutes and involves 108 sequential movements all related to basic animal forms central to Chinese culture. It takes three to four months to learn the set. Learning the sequence of moves begins a lifetime of exploring the depths of the Taoist Tai Chi internal arts of health.
During class, Caisse gives his students breaks and takes questions from them. He also explains how the movements exercise a person's whole physiology; including the tendons, joints, connective tissue and internal organs. At the mental and spiritual level, they develop an attitude of calm, compassion and reduced self-centeredness both during practice and in daily life.
"The oldest Tai Chi participant that I have had in a class is 103 years old!" commented Caisse.
But as mentioned before, Taoist Tai Chi is for all ages and abilities. Fifty year old golf professional Vijay Singh, nicknamed "The Big Fijian", is a native of Fiji who was at one time ranked Number 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Singh is an advocate of Tai Chi, and insists his Tai Chi sessions keep him limber and flexible.
The tai chi classes help reduce tension, improve circulation and balance, and increase strength and flexibility. Over time, these internal arts reach deep inside the body to benefit its entire physiology and restore the calmness and peace of mind often lost through the anxieties of daily life. Tai chi can enhance any athletic performance.
Doctors stress physical activity has health benefits but are concerned with recommending vigorous exercise for patients who, for example, have heart failure concerns. Tai Chi combines gentle physical movement with meditative breathing techniques. Extensive studies at major Boston hospitals found a noticeable improvement in mood, less depression and a more positive attitude was apparent. (Health, Boston Globe)
Caisse is a member of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society and presently teaches classes at Westford Parks and Recreation and in Acton, Lunenburg, Lowell and Groton.
For more information about local classes of TTCS, go to www.newengland.usa.taoist.org .
If you're curious, please stop by Westford Common on Saturday mornings at 9 when local students gather to practice tai chi.
