Specialty Classes

PilatesYoga-strengthen:then stretch

  Mon. 5:30  III     

  Fri.   4:30  II

  Sun 12:15  I   -seniors

Yoga  I

  Mon.  noon     -seniors

Tai Chi/Chi Kung I

  Tues. 4:30     -seniors

             FEAR OF FALLING

In  January 2008, LMYS was asked to help conduct an IU study of YOGA in regard to falling fears of the elderly. Retirees in Bloomington, Indiana were to be enlisted. Having done much work with  seniors and "chair yoga" at the Endwright Center in Ellettsville, Indiana over the past decade, we became  aware that TAI CHI practice offers more security to elders in this regard.

The elderly need to pay heed to a healthy realization of falling. Medications can cause dizziness and falling.  Equipment or surroundings can be hazardous and must be modified.  TAI CHI, a gentle and effective exercise system easily accommodates less than ideal situations.

An ancient and popular Chinese system, TAI CHI  is a daily meditative practice of millions of middle-aged and retired people around the world. Slow weight shifting, re-balancing and catlike movements place minimal load on joints. A conditioning predecessor practice, CHI KUNG, (QI GONG) focuses on breathing exercises.

These traditional exercises soothe and relax. TAI CHI and CHI KUNG are standing practices and require no mat or floor work. The lack of floor to upright and down again activity is a boon for aging knees, arthritis, stiffened spines, injuries, scar tissue, replaced joints, etc.

Gentle arm movements combine with slow patterned steps. Hip and thigh motor muscle awareness encourage pelvic stability along with improved  balance, strength, circulation, and energy.

Also known as shadow boxing, tai chi is an art. "Players"  learn to perform or dance or play within carefully developed parameters of skill and structure. It might be martial. It might be as a breeze rustling leaves. It might be fun or frustrating, determined or poetic.  As a physical endeavor with a rich, varied, and proven history, its beauty and health-giving properties are well-worth consideration.

Class is on-going.  Tues. 4:30
Students may join at any time.

On the path, from life I learn:

which bridges to cross and which to burn.