Tai chi

[Bue2]

Hi ,hope everyone is as well as can be expected. Has anyone found tai chi to be helpful with balance issues . I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, and raynauds, I always suffer more in the colder months and my balance isn't great, just booked a free taster class for next week it's only for 30 minutes so I thought I would try it before committing to sign up. 😅

[Gigiruth]

Hi Bue2Please let us know how you get on

Thanks

Gigi

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

It is over of the low intensity exercises that the charity recommends. If the instructor is aware of fibromyalgia and allows chair bars activities then that's ideal.

[Briecheese]

My upper arms shoulders etc was really bad when I tried it so I could not do any movements involving those. Plus if I was fit enough I am a line dancing, aerobics fast moving person. Still that in my head but my body has given up on me now.

[Bue2 in reply to Briecheese]

Yes I prefer fast moving exercise if I could do it ,this is one of the annoying things of fibro, missing the activities I used to find enjoyable, my head tells me I can still do it then my body shows me I'm an idiot for trying 🙄

[Midori]

Tai Chi is great for improving balance I find.

As a child I was enrolled in ballet school, but gave up, then in my mid teens I started ballroom dance and danced for 20 odd years.

Never into competing, my partner and I were practicing every evening (at least 2 hours) and 2 sessions each day at weekends. We broke up after we both found different interests. He into music and me into Nursing).

In my 50s I started Bellydance, and joined a performance troupe. The exercise of bellydance improved both Core muscles and pelvic muscles. Now I'm 76 and Tai Chi has become the go-to, slow and rhythmic, but low impact, works similarly to belly. I can't do all the exercises, but it still helps. (If sped up, Tai Chi is an effective Martial Art!)

Cheers, Midori

[jhorsf]

It could be good for you and relaxing, you see Chinese people doing it every day at old ages

[Lovecavatese]

Hi Bue2, I bought a video thinking it would be easy, I found it incredibly hard, and exhausted me after 2 minutes. However, I did take something from it that I introduce to my stretching. Good luck!

[E3178]

I find it really good for me. Like many others I was always into a lot more cardio stuff.I have practiced tai chi for years and it can only help with balance. Moving slowly takes a lot more balancing.

Find a class that doesn't take it all too seriously to start with. You are only there to move your body within your own limits.

Take it slow and try to practice just a few moves at a time.

Don't try to do it all as its a lot.

I recommend it and wouldn't give it up.

[JubileePenny]

If you don't mind using the computer, there are you-tube videos of 'beginning tai chi'. I started with 5 minutes with a 5 minute repeat, and then found a warm up. My arms are not strong but I force myself hoping they will improve. What I have noticed is that the bending of knees is strengthening my legs (I can tell by the aftereffects) and perhaps balance. It is easy and a good way to get back into exercise after illness.

[dorking15]

I have done it since 2019 as part of a class and I love it. It is an underestimated form of exercise I believe. Good for flexibility and especially balance. I find it mentally helpful too. I do have a wonderful Indian teacher though and that makes a difference. Play music too. Lots online but it’s an important aspect. Also good for the memory.

I have done Qi Gong too which you may find easier if you’ve never done this type of movement before.

[Bue2 in reply to dorking15]

Oh thank you, il look it up