New Tai Chi classes offer exercise, stress relief
By Bud Cordova, Nucleus staff writer
/ Published June 21, 2017
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Tai Chi is showing itself as beneficial in helping individuals improve strength and balance while sharpening their mental focus.
The Health Promotion Program will host a “Tai Chi for Beginners” class from noon to 12:30 p.m. June 28 at the 377th Medical Group Physical Therapy Gym.
For now, the classes will continue every Wednesday. If there is strong interest, there may be more offerings throughout the week.
Health Promotion Program Coordinator Guy Leahy is certified to teach it.
“My classes are on the more gentle end of the spectrum of Tai Chi,” he said.
Tai Chi uses slow movements, which in turn make the person performing those actions concentrate more on them.
“It requires a lot of concentration because people are not used to moving in such a way, given our fast-paced world today,” Leahy said. “Tai Chi is as much mental as it is physical.”
The style Leahy teaches is great for arthritis and balance.
“People can come in their work clothes and not have to change anything other than their shoes because they are not likely to sweat doing the class,” he said.
He added this allows people to attend the class and still be able to make it back to work on time.
He volunteers as an instructor at Haven Behavioral Hospital of Albuquerque, working with patients battling dementia, Alzheimer’s and other major health issues.
“They really seem to like (the classes) and I want to bring that here,” Leahy said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Tai Chi; more than 40 studies have shown the practice improves muscle strength, flexibility, balance and more.
One recent study published in the British Medical Journal suggests Tai Chi may be beneficial for military members with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“The reason being is it takes their concentration to focus on the moves, the music and the instructor,” Leahy said.
He said it is the only study done so far to look at Tai Chi and PTSD, so there is a need for more studies.
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art and has many sub-styles based on function. It is sometimes referred to as moving meditation and is proven to help reduce stress.
For more information, call Health Promotion at 846-1186.