By Rachel Reynolds
Although some of us want to hide when we hear the word “exercise,” all is not lost. There are innovative and elegant ways to stretch and relax in a class setting, and among these is the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Through fluid and gentle movements, participants can increase energy in their bodies and enjoy the companionship of others.
“Tai Chi is particularly beneficial to senior citizens because it helps with balance, circulation, and building bone density,” says Master Alan White, who teaches at St. Matthews Martial Arts. “The biggest thing is that it is not high impact so it’s especially ideal for people recovering from injuries or seniors who don’t want a lot of impact on their joints.”
White says that Tai Chi also offers active meditation, which gives the mind a chance to concentrate without distraction while the body moves fluidly from pose to pose.
“It helps people let go of mental static,” White says. “It provides stress relief and an improved ability to concentrate and focus. A person’s attention is not being pulled in so many different directions.”
More good news — being homebound does not preclude seniors from exercising. ElderServe Senior Center in Louisville has a program called Active Choices, which supports adults 60 and older who are homebound or can’t get out often. At no cost, Active Choices will help these seniors develop a custom plan and goals for adding daily physical activity. For six months, the staff follows up with phone calls to monitor and encourage progress. The program is free.
Contact Sarah Irvin at 502.736.3847 if you are interested in participating.
Looking for more classes in your area?
Where: St. Matthews Martial Arts, 4160 Westport Road, Louisville
Contact: 502.899.5506
Classes: 1-1:45pm Wednesdays; 5:30-6:15pm Thursdays; 11-11:45am Fridays
Cost: $80/month
Where: Lynnhurst United Church of Christ
4401 Taylor Blvd., Louisville (Taoist Tai Chi Society)
Contact: 502.614.6424
Beginning class: Tuesdays 10:30am–noon
Cost: Call for information
Where: Portland Community Center
640 N. 27th St., Louisville
Contact: 502.614.6424
Beginning classes: various times
Cost: Call for information
Where: The YMCA of Greater Louisville, Southwest Family YMCA
2800 Fordhaven Road, Louisville
Contact: 502.933.9622
Beginning classes: various times
Cost: Call for information
Where: Tai Chi Arts, 3700 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs, Indiana
Contact: 812.725.4645
Classes + Cost: Call for more information
Where: Shaffer Senior Enrichment Center/Senior Outreach Program
Woodbourne House, 2204 Woodford Place, Louisville (white house behind Douglass Boulevard Christian Church)
Contact: Call Leona Brooks at 502.451.3695 x 205
Classes: Various times
Where: Jewish Community Center, 3600 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville
Contact: 502.238.2727
Class: Mondays 11am–11:55am
Cost: Free with membership
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