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Fitness > Other Exercises > Answering Your Tai Chi Questions
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Answering Your Tai Chi Questions

An Arthritis Foundation tai chi instructor talks about the exercise class

Thinking about trying tai chi but want to know more? We talked to Norma Castle, an Arthritis Foundation tai chi instructor who teaches classes in Westchester County, New York. Castle, who has practiced tai chi for more than a decade, has been certified to teach Dr. Paul Lam’s “Tai Chi for Arthritis,” a modified tai chi program done in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation.

How would you describe tai chi for someone who has never experienced it?

It’s an ancient set of exercises which are based on a martial art, but a lot of it is now practiced for the health benefits. The health benefits are improved flexibility, coordination, endurance, stamina, strength and relaxation, which is very important. There’s kind of a meditative component to it. The movements are slow and gentle so you bring your attention to what you’re doing and thinking. That’s why it’s great for people with arthritis. If you have arthritis in your knee, for example, and you’re moving slowly and you feel something in your knee, you can stop at that point. We don’t say, “Keep going! Push yourself!” We say, “Do it gently. If you start feeling stressed, stop.” Each day you do a little bit more and take note of what you’re feeling.

What is the movement like?

It’s slow and smooth and it’s soft and it’s gentle. You are using your muscles and you are ranging your joints. Depending on a person’s conditioning, it could be a major leap to moving a lot or it could be not that much if a person is exercising already. It is gentle but it is exercise.

What do first-time people come into class expecting?

I find that people come in and want to try to improve their health. A lot of people have had some exposure to tai chi. People sort of associate it with groups of older Chinese folks out in the park. They’re surprised by the end of class to see what it is and what it feels like. But it’s very positive.

How does tai chi differ from yoga?

It’s related in a certain way. It does have a meditative component. We talk about breathing but it’s less complicated than the breathing in yoga. The main difference is that we’re moving and in most yoga, they’re not moving. In yoga, for the most part, they don’t modify to meet needs and it’s often strenuous. Yoga calls for a lot of flexibility and stretching. The way I’ve been trained is to be adapting and modifying to meet the needs of different populations. Tai chi can meet the needs of people with different conditions.

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Marilyn
22 Nov 2011, 23:12
I was a hairstyles for over 40 years, now I have arthritis in my thumbs, and knees. I"m 76 years. I also have cold hands thay turn blue when cold..so I can't ice the hands.. can you help me.. thank you Marilyn
Shelia
01 Nov 2011, 19:49
I have degenative arthritis in my lower back with sciatica and disc displacement with pain down both legs. I am 58 years old, working female. Lately I've been out of work more than in. Should I go out on disability? I'm in pain management taking Soma, Percacet 10/325, amitripiling and Fenalyn patches every 72 hrs. Still I am in a lot of pain and can't seem to find a combination that will stop the pain for at least one day. I need help.
Maureen Hanratty
20 Oct 2011, 11:50
I have has some exposure to Tai Chi and liked it. Now that I have been diagnosed with RA, I would love to participate in classes. Are there any Tai Chi classes in the Bronx? I know Manhattan does have Tai Chi, but I am limited in what I can do. Walking is slow and painful and getting out of a chair or out of the bus seat is very difficult. Please let me know that there are other people with RA in the area. Thanks, Maureen
Loashur John W. Morash M.Ed.
08 Sep 2011, 19:12
Taichi is great for people like me with Arthritis.
I teach taichi on Cape Cod at the CC Rehab on Attucks Lane in Hyannis. 6PM on Wednesday evenings. Come on down and we can do taichi and have some fun. Lots of streching and moving meditation as well as posting! Good for all levels of fitness. Come and begin a new journey for yourself or love ones.

Many blessings!

Loashur John
Debra Leonard
01 Jun 2011, 13:49
I am an instructor of the Tai Chi for Arthritis levels 1 & 2 in the South Bend, Indiana are if anyone is interested in classes.
Marylu Grace
31 May 2011, 05:25
My zip code is 60521...... are there any local classes in this area?
Janet O'Hara
12 Feb 2011, 18:01
I am a Arthritis Foundation certified Tai Chi teacher and live in Bolingbrook Il. I am currently not teaching at a facility but am available for one on one or group training in a individual's home or facility (apartment clubhouse etc) that allows it. I am also a NCSF personal trainer. The tai chi program is a wonderful way to challenge your body and mind at the same time.
Cathy
16 Nov 2010, 21:00
I have had bilateral knee replacements and also have rheumatoid arthritis. I would love to find something that would help with pain and stiffness. Is this something that I could do?
Jan Zubi
16 Nov 2010, 10:15
13 years ago, I was told by my doctor that within 2 years I'd be in a wheelchair because of arthritis. I decided that was not going to happen and started into tai chi. Now, I am still practicing tai chi and have also been belly dancing for 5 years. Tai chi saved me from what I consider a fate worse than death...a wheelchair!
Elly Szabo
11 Nov 2010, 10:20
do you have a dvd on Tai Chi, a friend of mine said you did. How can I obtain one?
Richard
27 May 2010, 14:16
Nice list of questions about the art of tai chi.

You might also check out www.taichiresearch.com as they have a list of all of the benefits of tai chi....Richard
Bill Pickett
07 Dec 2009, 17:05
Hey everyone,

My wife, Linda, and I are both Senior Trainers with Dr Lam's Tai Chi for Health Community and certified with the AF. If you are looking for classes in the East TN area or looking for Instructor Certification we can help. Please check us out on Dr Lam's www.taichiproductions.com website. We are listed as Senior Trainers.

Bill
Kathy
02 Dec 2009, 10:37
If you're looking for a tai chi class in the Akron area, please contact me. I'm certified by The Arthritis Foundation.
The editors
24 Nov 2009, 11:44
Hello Mary,

Thanks for your comment. You can sign up for the tai chi "train the trainer class" by contacting your local Arthritis Foundation Chapter.

You can find your local AF Chapter by entering your zip code in the chapter map search link:

http://www.arthritis.org/chaptermap.php

Thanks,
The Editors
Mary
04 Nov 2009, 00:45
I am a certified Yoga Instructor. Where can I take the training for the Tai Chi for Arthritis?
The editors
30 Sep 2009, 16:19
To find an Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi class or other Foundation class near you, contact your local Arthritis Foundation chapter. Search for you local chapter using your zip code on the following link:

http://www.arthritis.org/chaptermap.php

Thanks,
The Editors
Arthritis Today magazine
louise
30 Sep 2009, 14:12
Is there a Tai Chi class near me? I live near three towns - zips: 28704, 28801 or 3, 28759 Thank You
Colleen Chavis
19 Jul 2009, 20:12
I am a certified instructor for the Arthritis foundatin and I teach water, land and Tai Chi. I have to say that Tai Chi is my favorite class. I get more positive feedback from this class than any other one that I teach. My students just love it and my class is growing every week. I strongly encourage everyone to try it. You have nothing to loose and it is so much fun.
Bryan
09 Jul 2009, 17:45
Hello,
I'm an editor for www.ArthritisToday.org. Thanks for all your comments.

For those looking to locate an Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program near you, or any other Foundation program, it is best to contact your local Foundation chapter. You can find your local chapter by entering your zip code in the space provided on the following link:

http://www.arthritis.org/chaptermap.php

Thanks,
Bryan
Robert Gallagher
09 Jul 2009, 13:18
Where Can I find Tai Chi classes near me? My zip code is 10009. Thank you.
Emily
04 Jul 2009, 12:01
I'm already a subscriber to AT. So how do I get a discount for the Tai Chi DVD.
Loretta Frazer
23 Jun 2009, 17:03
I have osteoarthritis in both my hips. Does this new Tai Chi DVD benefit people with hip problems too?
Violet E. Barrett
23 Jun 2009, 14:46
Is there a charge for the new Tai Chi DVD
if you are a member?
michael
21 May 2009, 21:37
Information and treatment options for rheumatoid Arthritis of the hip.New drugs?
Thank you,
Michael

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