26 January 2023
Growing Older, Moving Better
What Happens During 10+ Years of Tai Chi
Today's WPW focuses on an inspiring possibility— Growing Older, Moving Better. With Tai Chi.
Read on to learn how Tai Chi has helped two longtime Chicago Tai Chi Members move better, feel better, and have a lot of fun, as they age.
Feeling good after a great Tai Chi workout.
With Blair McCaw (right) and Larry Friedman, PhD (center).
Years of Tai Chi and Qigong, in-person and online
Let me introduce you to Blair McCaw and Larry Friedman.
For several years, Blair and Larry joined my early morning classes in Chicago. They started with the Wu Style Short Form. Over time, they added Qigong. Later, they both took on the challenging Wu Style Long Form.
When Blair moved to New England a few years ago, we continued to meet weekly online.
After the pandemic hit, Larry, still in Chicago, shifted to online training too.
Late last year, Blair mentioned he would be in Chicago this month. A perfect opportunity for some in-person training. He suggested that Larry join us. "Like the old days."
Great idea!
Tai Chi Reunion
We met at the studio for our Tai Chi reunion, enjoying a solid hour of practice in the heart of Chicago.
As morning traffic bustled outside, we quietly performed the sophisticated moves of the Wu Style Long Form.
Deeply exercising and deeply relaxing our entire bodies.
At the end, we agreed, "That feels great!"
Tai Chi Anniversaries
We shot the breeze after our practice. Then it dawned on us— Both Larry and Blair were marking Tai Chi Anniversaries.
Almost to the day, it was 11 years since Larry took his first Tai Chi class with me. For Blair, 10 years since his first class.
We reflected on, and celebrated, a decade plus of Tai Chi together.
For both Larry and Blair, Tai Chi started out as an experiment. Something to try in their 60s.
Over the ensuring decade, Tai Chi became an integral part of their lives.
And still is!
Growing Older, Moving Better
What happens when you start Tai Chi and stick with it like Blair and Larry?
Lots of good things! Here's what they say—
Larry:
"A big reason I've continued Tai Chi is my health. Tai Chi has helped my physical fitness and overall health immensely."
"I move better. My legs and hips are stronger. My posture is better. I have fewer aches and pains. My whole body is more relaxed. My mind is more calm and quiet."
(For a short video where Larry describes his Top 5 Reasons to Learn Tai Chi, click here.)
Blair:
"After years of pounding my body with high-impact athletics, I've enjoyed exploring the benefits of a low impact, internally focused exercise."
"My practice has helped me manage my mind and body tensions, and, importantly, the aches and pains of growing older."
(For a short video where Blair describes why Tai Chi and Qigong are so good for an aging athlete, click here.)
It all started with their first Tai Chi class. For each of them, trying something new in their 60s.
Their first step on a path that's continued into their next decade. Helping them grow older and move better.
How cool is that!
Chris Cinnamon, JD, MS
Certified Exercise Physiologist
Head Instructor
Author, Tai Chi for Knee Health
P.S.
Interested in exploring the powerful health benefits, and fun, of Tai Chi?
It starts with your first class or private lesson.
You can join our online classes from virtually anywhere. You can join us in-person in the Chicago Loop.
For more info on how to get started, click here