Tai Chi, the perfect exercise

By ALBERT CASALE, Master Sansei

It’s easy to tell people to make exercise part of their daily routine. It’s not so easy to tell them what to do. Some folks like to run or hike mountains. But if you would rather care for your body without risking increasingly creaky joints, you might consider Tai Chi Chuan, the ancient martial art that looks like a slow motion ballet. Tai Chi combines intense mental focus with deliberate, graceful movements. The slow motion martial art builds strength, agility and, best of all, balance and is particularly beneficial for senior citizens.

To get started, you can choose from among the growing number of classes offered at recreation centers and health clubs across the US. These have the added benefit of combining instruction with the chance to meet new people. It can take a few weeks for the effects to be felt, but when they do, they can act as a pathway to a new lifestyle. Once people start feeling better, they often become more active in their daily life. The best thing about Tai Chi is that people enjoy it, so they are more likely to stick with it.

For more information call 570/828-7386, or visit www.mountaindojo.com.

[Master Albert Casale teaches at Mountain Dojo Martial Arts in Dingmans’ Ferry.]