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Back to HomeFeature Article - March 22, 2012 Tai Chi classes starting up in Sharbot Lakeby Julie Druker

A three-month beginners course in Tai Chi will begin at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake on Monday, April 2, from 10 - 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to sign up. The classes will be held every Monday at that time from April until the end of June. The course is offered by the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada and will be led by accredited Tai Chi instructor John Pariselli who has been practising for seven years and teaching for over three years. Tai Chi, which has often been called “meditation in motion”, teaches a series of 108 movements that can offer a number of physical and mental benefits to practitioners of all ages. These may include increased strength, improved balance and posture, maintaining flexibility of joints, and improved blood circulation. Studies show that practising Tai Chi assists in bone formation and increases bone density, thereby helping to prevent osteoporosis. In a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine some practitioners of Tai Chi were seen to be better able to manage symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, Fibromyalgia and MS. Other benefits to practitioners over 65 years of age may include increased concentration and recall.

If nothing else, John says that it has been known to improve people's golf game and he says that his curling game has improved markedly as a result of his practice.

Modifications can be made to the movements to accommodate those with health or mobility issues, and the movements can also be performed in a sitting posture for those unable to stand. Tai Chi is a life-long practice and no matter how long one has been practising, the movements can always be modified and improved upon in subtle ways. An intermediate course will also be offered for those wanting to move on in the practice.

For those who may not be sure if Tai Chi is for them, John encourages you to come out to a class, give it a try first before having to make a long-term commitment. The standard fee for the three-month series, which also includes a four-month membership to the society is $135, but depends on an individual's current employment situation. Those attending the classes should wear rubber soled shoes and loose fitting non-restrictive clothing. For more information, or on Tai Chi in general, contact John Pariselli at 613-279-2662.