Tai Chi Offers Relaxation and Exercise Benefits
While working in the offices of the Adult Day Center (ADC), the tai chi instructor, Craig Miller, can be overheard praising his pupils for yawning. “Most teachers do not like, or even get angry, when their students yawn in class. In tai chi, I like to see my students yawn. It’s a sign of relaxation and it means that you’re engaged in exercise,” says Miller, who has been leading the class at the ADC for the past six months. Relax while exercising? My curiosity was piqued, recalls Sarah Levinson, Adult Day Center Case Worker.
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practiced for defense training and its health benefits. The practice originated in ancient China and was passed on through the generations by those who practiced variations of the art. Tai chi incorporates the Chinese concepts of yin and yang (two opposing yet complementary forces) and qi (the vital energy or life force). Practicing the movements of tai chi supports a healthy balance of yin and yang and fights off the blockage in the flow of qi that causes disease.
The art of tai chi is about achieving balance that is physical and emotional. Circular and spiral like motions help to foster and redirect energy throughout the body. Channeling of this energy through slow, continuous, dance-like movements helps individuals to become flexible, strong and relaxed at the same time. Its gentle movements make tai chi an appealing exercise option for those with limited mobility or chronic illnesses that preclude strenuous physical activity.
Rigorous scientific studies have examined the benefits of tai chi, particularly for older adults and individuals with movement disorders. Most striking is the evidence that tai chi practice reduces the risk of falls because it increases strength and flexibility, develops better balance and coordination and improves concentration and increases awareness. This makes tai chi popular among those with movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Research also demonstrates that tai chi even augments the effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments for depression in older adults.
Weekly tai chi classes have become a favorite activity for Adult Day Center participants and staff! We welcome you to schedule an appointment to tour our center and observe this relaxing, yet energizing form of exercise. Tai chi is generally done on Thursdays, beginning at 10:30am.
For more than thirty years, the Adult Day Center at the J has provided care and services that meet the needs of people who require assistance with daily living and want to remain living in the community. The program is licensed by the State of Missouri as an Adult Day Health program. Services are delivered by professional, caring staff who preserve the autonomy and dignity of participants while ensuring their safety and providing medical oversight. The program provides a variety of stimulating activities that promote cognitive, physical, and social engagement aimed at maintaining or improving current functional levels.
Tai chi at the Adult Day Center at the J is available thanks to the generosity of the Anna and Lillian Jossem Memorial Fund of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. For more information on the Adult Day Center or to schedule a tour, contact Sarah Levinson at 314-442-3261 or slevinson@jccstl.org
Creatinga “home feeling” around the holidays allows people to celebrate with a sense of nostalgia. On January 3, the J’s Kitchen J held a festive Russian New Year’s party that catered to the many Russian residents of the Covenant House, with fun had by all! Over 140 people enjoyed the festivities as the party was incorporated into the meal at the JCC/MEAAA Dining Site.
A wonderful meal was followed by Isaac Lifits singing and playing the accordion. Participants enjoyed dancing and listening to the familiar tunes throughout the evening. AW Healthcare (page 16) donated the delicious dessert of poppy seed cake. A Chinese New Year’s party is scheduled for February 11.
Contact Sheryl Trask at 314-442-3149 for a reservation.
