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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.
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