Tai chi for arthritis

By Michelle Neathercote

A special ‘exercise’ class for people with arthritis and those seniors who would like a gentle exercise class has been introduced to Coastlands Fitness Centre at Helensburgh.

The Tai Chi for arthritis course is not just a normal tai chi class, said Wendy Naylor from Coastlands, but is a special program designed by Dr. Paul Lam, a Sydney family physician and President of the Tai Chi Association of Australia with a team of tai chi and medical experts’.

“This program is endorsed by Arthritis Australia and over the past three years more than a thousand instructors have been trained worldwide to teach this program,” said Wendy.

“The class aims to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis and others who would like a gentle exercise class with a style that includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation.

“The movements don’t require deep bending or squatting which makes it easier and more comfortable to learn.”

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese art for health and relaxation and is practised throughout the world as a form of exercise. Arthritis Australia recommends tai chi as a suitable form of exercise ‘for just about anyone as the fluid, gentle movements are relaxed and slow in tempo and can be carried out almost anywhere.

The tai chi class is held on Tuesday at 10-11am at Coastlands Fitness Centre who can be contacted on 4294 2253.