Join us as we welcome Sifu Linda Wolslau, from Gentle Tiger Academy, to Spirit Rising Yoga.  Linda is Tai Chi Master, know as a Sifu.  She has been involved in Tai Chi for over 25 years.  She initially underwent seven years if intensive study of Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan under the tutorage of Tai Chi Grandmaster Woo Pak Zung.  She was the first USA woman to receive certification to teach this style and to be certified by her Grandmaster. Sifu Linda's classes emphasize breathing, body coordination, balance relaxation and focus.

Date:  Wednesday evenings March 3 - March 10

Time: 6:00pm- 7:00 pm

Cost:  $75

This class is for anyone who has participated in one the first 3 sessions.... It is a multi level 'intermediate' class...

If you are a beginner and are interested in class, please email me.  If there is enough interest, we will create a second class for just beginners.

Tai chi: Improved stress reduction, balance and agility...The ancient art of tai chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today's busy lifestyles and improve health.  

By Mayo Clinic staff

The graceful images of people gliding through dance-like poses as they practice tai chi (TIE-chee) are compelling. Simply watching them is relaxing. Tai chi, in fact, is often described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body.

Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, tai chi is a graceful form of exercise that has existed for some 2,000 years. Practiced regularly, tai chi can help you reduce stress and enjoy other health benefits.

Understanding tai chi

Tai chi, sometimes called tai chi chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do tai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing.

Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice tai chi. It doesn't take physical prowess. Rather, tai chi emphasizes technique over strength.

Tai chi is used to:

• Reduce stress
• Increase flexibility
• Improve muscle strength and definition
• Increase energy, stamina and agility
• Increase feelings of well-being

Tai chi has more than 100 possible movements and positions. You can find several that you like and stick with those, or explore the full range. The intensity of tai chi varies somewhat depending on the form or style practiced. Some forms of tai chi are more fast-paced than others, for instance. However, most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone. And they all include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing.

Although tai chi is generally safe, consider talking with your doctor before starting a new program. This is particularly important if you have any problems with your joints, spine or heart.

Stress reduction and other benefits of tai chi

Like other practices that bring mind and body together, tai chi can reduce stress. During tai chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your tai chi session.

Tai chi may also help your overall health, although it's not a substitute for traditional medical care. Tai chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Older adults may especially find tai chi appealing because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints. Tai chi may also be helpful if you have arthritis or are recovering from an injury.

Despite its ancient history, tai chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. And that research is suggesting that tai chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction, including:

• Reducing anxiety and depression
• Improving balance and coordination
• Reducing the number of falls
• Improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day
• Slowing bone loss in women after menopause
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving cardiovascular fitness
• Relieving chronic pain
• Improving everyday physical functioning

Borrowoed from the Mayo Clinic