Serenity Tai Chi and Fitness

In nursing we would always say that walking is a series of controlled falls. In my work, I have seen many people walk and I often wondered how come they don’t fall more often. You see them walking stooped over, learning on a wheely walker or shopping trolley, shuffling their feet.

If you sit and observe people for a while, you will see it really is just like a series of controlled falls, or an accident to happen, yet people feel safe walking like that. But if anything puts that person out of control, a stumble for example, or the wheely walker getting stuck on something or there is a small step, their risk of falling is increases. 

In Tai Chi we promote an upright posture, movement control and proper weight shift before we step. It takes a lot of practice and may feel awkward in the beginning. Your muscles may even complain a bit about this ‘weird’ way of walking. Remember you are learning a new habit, and your muscles need to develop a new muscle memory. Be assured, they soon will develop muscle memory and, before you know it, you will naturally walk more upright and controlled in your stepping; without thinking much about it. Best of all, if you do have a stumble, being upright, you have time and ability to catch yourself and possibly prevent a fall; and if you walk with a mobility aid, you are more prepared for any issues that may develop.

Your risk of falling and injuring yourself is greatly reduced when learning Tai Chi for Health programmes, but like everything in life, to reap the benefits you need to give it time and practice. It takes at least 11 lessons and regular practice t0 gain the benefits of Tai Chi for Health.

Dr. Paul Lam et al, wrote an article to outline ‘How Tai Chi Works for Falls Prevention‘. It is an interesting read, outlining the studies completed to prove the efficacy of the Tai Chi for Arthritis programme, and the government organisations who have recognised the benefits of this programme. It’s a worth a read, backed by science and, if you like to know where the quotes come from, fully referenced