INNISFAIL – More and more people today are taking up tai chi to help improve their overall health and well-being.
Innisfail residents are joining in.
"We had been hearing for years about people experiencing a variety of health benefits from doing tai chi," said Donna-Marie McKinnon, a volunteer instructor with the Red Deer Branch of the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi organization.
She noted a nationwide survey was done two years ago to gather information on the impacts of tai chi.
"We wanted some more concrete data so a questionnaire was developed in a survey format, and was given to participants across Canada," said McKinnon. "The results of the survey showed that people were experiencing much less pain, were having to take medication less often, had fewer visits to doctors' offices or specialists."
Tai chi is sometimes described as a moving meditation, said McKinnon, adding it often helps with pain management. She said it can also positively impact health-care costs related to the need for less hospitalization.
"When you're doing tai chi you can't think of all the stressors in your life because you are very focused on the tai chi," explained McKinnon, highlighting some of the benefits. "It helps with stress relief, it improves circulation, balance, mobility, and it prevents falls.
"It's a very gentle form of exercise but it's a full body exercise," she added. "It's mind, body, (and) spirit."
Tai chi is for people of all ages, she noted, and is something that can be done standing or sitting.
The non-profit group has several satellite locations, including Sylvan Lake, Pioneer Lodge (Red Deer), Sunnybrook Farm (Red Deer) and Innisfail.
For the past six years they have provided tai chi classes at the Innisfail United Church on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for beginners and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for continuing levels.
McKinnon encourages those interested to come out to a local class and give tai chi a try.
"People can come and try the first week for free. There is no charge, no obligation, just come and try it and see how you like it," said McKinnon. "Once you become a member then you can do tai chi anywhere."
For more information local residents can attend a class at the Innisfail United Church or visit their website at www.taoist.org
