Aging with strength
This has been one of the theories of the world: change
the outer conditions,
then man will be changed inwardly - that has always been one of the arguments.
But you see that it doesn't work that way.
So it is man who has to change and thereby change the structure.
(Krishnamurti)
Aging
It is natural for your body to become weaker as you grow older;
the body has a cycle that cannot be changed.
You feel frail and vulnerable, uncertain and fearful.
Our school of tai chi offers the opportunity to strengthen your body as you age.
This will not change the natural cycle but your quality of life will improve.
Key concerns:
· Alignment
· Balance
· Coordination
· Fall prevention
· Mobility
Everyone learns the same material, regardless of age.
You learn at your own pace.
Strength
Tai chi is an art that uses the body in a unique way.
It joins the entire structure together so than when one part moves, the whole
body moves.
Consider pushing an object or person using just your arm...
Your power is limited by the condition of your arm muscles and the degree of
resistance you encounter.
We teach you to join your muscles together so that the entire body pushes rather
than just the arm.
You also learn not to use force against force.
Neigong
Tai chi was designed to re-grow the body from the inside out; this process is
called 'neigong'.
It involves a variety of subtle changes to the body which produce an increasing
amount of strength.
Neigong is an integral part of our syllabus.
Movement
With the minimum application of strength you can channel movement
creatively and use kinetic energy rather than contracted muscles.
This means that you conserve energy and do not become tired so easily.
After only a few lessons students begin to demonstrate a more skilful use of
strength.
Page created 2 March 1995