101 Year Old Keeps Young With Tai Chi Fit
The benefits of T’ai Chi have been well known in the East for thousands of years with it practised daily by people of all ages. But how well is it received in other parts of the world and can this life enhancing, amazing energy system really make a difference to us, regardless of our age?
Well, Vernon Bowles, a resident at Summerfields Residential Care Home, West Sussex, definitely thinks so. Vernon celebrated his 101st birthday recently and takes part in weekly T’ai Chi Fit™ classes – a simplified non-traditional T’ai Chi based form of exercise to aid health, healing and wellness.
T’ai Chi Fit™ has helped Vernon to feel encouraged to actively take part in the sessions, work within his own ability and in particular his knees and ankles have really benefitted from performing the exercises.
Because T’ai Chi Fit™ helps with balance and stabilising the core muscles as we age, Vernon continues to just use the aid of a walking stick instead of succumbing to rely on a trolley or wheelchair, which can happen to so many who feel have no other alternative. Research shows that practicing T’ai Chi improves balance in older people and thus reduces the risk of falling–a major cause of death and disability in the elderly.
So T’ai Chi Fit™ is a great ill-health preventative method and should be considered for everyone as a regular form of exercise to re-condition muscles, joints and general wellness as the body starts to age.
Although a very physical man in the army, Vernon had never tried T’ai Chi Fit™ before and had an open mind as to what to expect. Because of his determination to continue to walk, aided only by a stick, he feels that it has really helped his knee joints to keep as subtle and mobile as possible, even in cold and damp weather. By strengthening the muscles surrounding an arthritic joint and improving flexibility, T’ai Chi increases range of motion without causing pain. Although T’ai Chi cannot treat bone and cartilage damage caused by arthritis; it can lessen the severity and pain of the disease when started early enough.
T’ai Chi Fit™ is very easy to adapt for those that need to remain seated and modifications and adaptations of the movements are encouraged so all participants feel part of the class, regardless of their ability.
Vernon says “I am convinced that T’ai Chi Fit™ has helped me and I think more people should take part in a regular class, regardless of their age. I certainly would recommend it to others, and long may it continue for me!”
7 Benefits of Practising T’ai Chi Fit™:
1. Movements are low-impact and gentle and put minimal stress on your muscles and joints. This significantly reduces the risk of injury.
2. You can do it anywhere, anytime as it requires very little space and no special clothing or equipment.
3. Reduces stress because it’s a creative and active way to reduce how you mentally and physically respond to situations.
4. It’s non-competitive and you do it at your own pace.
5. It can be done in groups or by yourself
6. There are lots of movements to keep you interested, and as you become more accomplished you can add those to your regular practice.
7. Improves balance, muscular strength and flexibility in older adults.
Vernon is certainly an inspiration and is testament that T’ai Chi Fit™ is one of the best methods of prevention and promotion of long term health and wellness, whatever our age.
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T’ai Chi Fit™ was created and developed by Ian Fox, founder of Fox Fitness. The UK’s leading Instructor Training Provider of Holistic Health and Wellness Courses for Spas, Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Local Health Boards, HM Prison Service, Military Wellbeing and Community Based Health Professionals Since 1994. Written and submitted by Annette Du Bois (pictured with Vernon Bowles practicing a simple T’ai Chi Fit™ exercise. Used with permission).
Learn more about Tai Chi Fit:
http://www.foxfitness.co.uk/courses/taichi-instructor
