…and now for something completely different (Tai chi) - YouLookFab Forum

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…and now for something completely different (Tai chi)

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m in the process of ‘renegotiating’ my fitness regime with my personal trainer after resuming the type of gym workouts I was doing pre-Covid (weight training to support my sport (triathlon)). I’ve had a good run with this program, but at 60+ I want something less intense (and I’m not competing anymore.) We are going to do a review this month.

In the interim, the community centre sent out a notice that a beginners Tai chi class would be starting up the end of September! One class per week through to May 2023. It’s for folks with NO experience. My trainer thinks it’s a good idea, When I told DH I wanted to sign up, he asked that I sign him up as well! I think this is something we can enjoy together (Yoga did not work for DH!)

Has anyone had any experience with Tai chi?

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19 replies

Latest reply was from kellygirl

JAileen

Veteran

I did it for about a year. I don’t think I got anything out of it at all. Later I took a yoga class called Power Yoga. it was probably too hard for me, but I really enjoyed it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Not personally, but my husband did it for a while and it really helped him a lot. (He has spine and neck issues.) I keep encouraging him to start again.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

No experience myself, but someone i know online who teaches it in Texas recently mentioned that she has students use swords and fans. Cool!

Aquamarine

Veteran

I have an online class/video I bought through a major health provider but have only dabbled in it. I’m not very good, which means I probably should do it more!

I will say my late mother-in-law went religiously to classes and her balance was excellent. I still remember her standing on one foot while removing a snow boot from the other foot…I think she was 80 at the time.

MsMaven

Veteran

I took a class in Tai Chi years ago. It bothered my knees, so I didn't continue. I had tried yoga and this was an experiment. I went back to yoga and eventually DH joined me.

I did like Tai Chi, found it relaxing to do. Don't know why it bothered my knees. I encourage you to give it a try. Currently doing PT for various problems. I've learned that for years while I thought I was protecting my knees, I was weakening the very muscles I needed to hold my knees stable and healthy. It's your legs, hips and glutes that need to be toned and strong, and Tai Chi should help with that.

Anonymous

I did Tai Chi for a while and enjoyed it. I have a background in karate, and it's just the other side of it to me!
There's a class called Body Flow at the Y, that's a mix of Tai Chi, yoga, and I think pilates. I like that too.
My mom likes Qi Gong most.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

That’s great! I did tai chi many moons ago and enjoyed it. It’s especially wonderful that you can do it together.

LJP

Veteran

We are offering Tai Chi at the RehFit again this fall - after a 2 year break- and it's quite popular among every age group. It's a good , calming practice that's excellent for balance and stability. My husband is considering doing the class this fall - I'm not personally interested but that's just me.

eta - I too need to "renegotiate" my fitness regime , because it's all over the place and probably not very effective. However, it will be me negotiating with myself, lol. In my fantasy life I have a personal trainer at my disposal at any time.

Runcarla

Veteran

The joke below is very much DH after the first (and only) yoga class he attended…

I’m happy to start something from point zero and progress, and the location is ‘in my backyard’ so to speak - so it seems like a happy compliment to anything else I do, as well as a project through winter.

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LJP

Veteran

I’m with your DH . Lol.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Haha, funny comic, Carla. Mr. Suz feels the same re yoga....

I haven't tried tai chi but a close friend is big on it. I have considered it, but would. need to find the right class -- I'd see it as a restorative complement to other stuff I do, if I did it. Fun to do something together with your husband!

phoebe

My mother has practiced for decades and believes it has not only enabled her to recover faster from various unrelated injuries but that it has enriched her experience of all other forms of exercise.

rachylou

Veteran

I’m a Miranda Esmonde person - I’m thinking about old age and mobility and working all the muscles big and small, head to toes. That said, I was at something once and did a tai chi class and liked it; it reminds me a little bit of Miranda because it’s somewhat whole body, flowing from one movement to another. You’re not just standing still working *one* muscle over and over.

Jules

Veteran

Ha, I'll have to send that meme to my husband - yoga made him actively angry.
I like trying new forms of exercise in class format. The discussion has made me realize my 77yo mother might benefit from Tai Chi, as she's had some balance issues of late. Nice that you get to do it with your DH too. Have fun!

tam

I've not tried Tai Chi, but enjoy yoga - my husband LOL at your tin man- that is him! I agree with Rachylou on Miranda Esmonde. She is on PBS in my area and my husband has actually enjoyed the stretching exercises she does. Maybe is it because it is in our home and he is not in a class with others who have amazing flexibility. ?? He's 60 yo and has balance issues due to ankle break x3 on same ankle. Miranda Esmonde has helped. Good luck in finding the perfect balance.

Bijou

Veteran

I laughed at your cartoon! It is always good to give things a try to see if they are for you. Anything that helps with strength, flexibility and balance would be good as we know you already have your cardio fitness sorted.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I did Tai Chi for a few years. I took it up to deal with a catastrophic case of RSI, not long after we moved to the Netherlands. It is very meditative, excellent for strength, balance and posture, and while it takes time and patience to learn the full “short form” sequence, the benefits are surprising.

I’d say it’s something to do for love as much as anything. I found it very rewarding, but I stuck with the class for the tiny tea ceremony we had afterwards. It was full of retirees who spoke almost no English, and I owe them all a debt of gratitude, because I would never have learned to speak Dutch without them.

cheryl

Veteran

My mom took Tai Chi for years and loved it. Even when she was on oxygen she would go to class and sit and do what she could.

kellygirl

Veteran

Can relate to the yoga cartoon. That almost made me spit out my coffee. I'd like to try Tai Chi at some point - I'm not really even sure what it is but any movement seems to be good. I've only done hot yoga (Bikram) after getting sucked into a membership - never again. I think flow and power would be fun to try.