Two local artists are offering “tai chi for arthritis and fall prevention classes” in Bishop's Castle and Welshpool starting this later this month.
Jean and Tony Maitland, from Old Churchstoke, are offering a Tai Chi class for people of all abilities including those who may have difficulties with their movement something they have experience of as Jean suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
“When in pain I used to tense up making my pain worse,” said Mrs Maitland. “The Tai Chi helps me relax and this eases my pain.
“I noticed a difference initially after the first six weeks and decided to continue each day as it worked for me. The Tai Chi empowers me to be more proactive by taking a leading positive role in my own health and wellbeing.”
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Mr Maitland added: “I may not have Rheumatoid Arthritis but I live with it every day. I have benefited immensely from tai chi and have witnessed how the tai chi for arthritis program has helped people of all ages and abilities. The exercises can be done seated or standing which opens up this wonderful art to many more people.”
The couple’s journey has involved sharing support and experience with accomplished Tai Chi practitioners from all over the world who they meet in person and monthly at the Tai Chi for Health Institute instructor’s forum on zoom.
This opportunity is extended to all our students who may attend these forums to help develop their tai chi and to meet the creator of the TCHI programs Dr Paul Lam.
Tai Chi is a mind body exercise originating from ancient China, where it started as a famous martial art. These days, its practised around the world as an effective exercise for health to improve strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and balance.
The exercise is used to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, prevent falls and help people who have arthritis.”
The couple said that they “firmly believe that we can all be more DIY about our health” and hope that through the class they can empower people to take more responsibility for improving their health and in their own way play their part in “alleviating some of the burdens on our NHS”.
The couple are also celebrating Mr Maitland’s recent success at achieving level one instructor status with Deyin Taijiquan Institute and hope to offer instruction in Yang style tai chi, 8 Treasures qigong and basic sword techniques locally in the future.
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“We have been members of the Deyin Institute for over 5 years and participated in World Qigong day with masters Faye and Tary Yip in 2019 in Telford,” said Mr Matiland. “It has been an inspirational journey over the past few years learning the forms necessary to qualify as an instructor for one of the foremost martial arts organisations in Europe”.
If anyone is interested in discovering more about the tai chi for arthritis program or would like to attend the classes in Bishops Castle or Welshpool then email jeantony2@yahoo.co.uk
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