I've often thought about having a bash at these. Tai chi in particular seems attractive to me. Nice gentle movements. I know lots of folks get a lot out of yoga. I'm slightly worried about getting up from the floor with yoga. However I think there is yoga you can do sitting in a chair.
I think any exercise that you can manage, and enjoy is pretty good for you.
lol yep even more if u live alone no knight in shining armour to come to rescue 😳
Hi Shirlz
Yes, got dr paul lam's tai chi for arthritis dvd off amazon, cheapy one. Found it quite good for days when not going out or feeling bit below par, very gentle, you can do bit at time. I do need to motivate self more tho, just reading yr post thought whoops haven't done that for while. X
That’s what I want it for when I’m having good days as I no now a days I’m more couch than moving but when have bad day it’s hard to get motivated.And the classes are so far away.Id have done a workout just to get there 🙂
I do Pilates weekly which helps a lot. There isn't a Tai Chi or QiGong class nearby, but I have done those when I have had an opportunity and also found them helpful.
Go for it! Amy exercise helps and you don't need to be a gym bunny. Generally best to start off in a class with a qualified teacher so you get the moves right, and it also helps motivation!
I couldn’t do Pilates I’ve problems with arthritis in knees that’s why I was thinking of tai chi.all I’ve found near me are heavy fitness groups and when I was working never had problems but since it’s took over my knees I’m struggling so trying to help my self as much has I can 🙂
I think that be more to do with the teacher than you! We have a huge range of problems in our Pilates class and the teacher finds alternative positions for people with problems in specific areas. Give Tai chi a go!
I have RA and do tai chi weekly at a class geared to those of us with mobility issues. I find it very helpful as it encourages me to do a range of movements but only as much as is comfortable for me. It's also helpful with balance. Give it a go but if you look for a class avoid those that dwell on self defence rather than health benefits
I agree, a class with other folks is probably better than doing it on your own. More motivating, more fun, and social.
There's a therabands class near me run by a physio. However it's 60 quid a term! No way can I afford that. I think there might be an exercise class in the local village hall. Going to look into that.
I would probably find a class to go to as the instructor will make sure you are doing the moves correctly so you don’t hurt yourself. They can also modify the moves for you. 🧘♂️
Yes I do Pilates and find it helps amazingly well. I don't get anywhere near as much joint pain and it's really toned my muscles too. I also do Spin Classes for cardiovascular exercises as it doesn't impact your joints and keeps heart and lungs healthy.
I find aquarobics a good workout. No pressure on joints, all joints worked out and enough exercise to get breathless if you choose, or you can do it more gently.
I have been doing tai chi for over a year now and I find that it is excellent for me. It’s gentle exercise and if you struggle with the moves no one is bothered . They welcome people with disabilities. I have had RA for 30yrs and so wish I had taken it up earlier also there is the social aspect. There are lots of classes in Essex
I used to attend a weekly yoga class but had to give it up because I couldn’t cope with pressure on hands and getting up and down on the floor, also I got chilled on floor , chair yoga might be an option but my Ra Fibro is so bad that just raising my arms hurts ......only you know your limits ......good luck
I also have fibromyalgia with my arthritis so I do know where your coming from and understand I also feel that pain just some days brushing my hair is a challenge in its self things u take for granted x
Agree with most posters that a class is best, you learn to do it properly and being with people in a peaceful, constructive atmosphere is good for the morale. Both tai chi and qi gong are brilliant, I used to do tai chi, now do qi gong because it's easier on the knees (I'm heavy). The class is really good fun and lifts my spirits.
I do tai chi Shirlz. I started with a class on YouTube
Her name is Taiflow and she has several modules just for beginners. It is free
Just search tai chi for beginners taiflow and it will come right up.
I also do jake mace tai chi for beginners. I have been doing it every morning before work and it reduces my stress and gets me moving much faster (reduces stiffness!
I just caution you to watch your knees. Here is a video that shows you how to bend your knees for tai chi or sitting or anything!
I do have a few things to do with my knees that my phyo has showed me to do.Ive being looking on YouTube also.thanks for the link kkminton will look at it 🙂x
HI I have been doing Yoga for a few weeks. At first I thought this is awful and making me worse but I persevered and am now finding it quiet relaxing . I am very stiff so I do what I can I have explained to the instructor about my RA and she is happy for me to do what I feel I can and provides extra padding and a belt to help with holding up my legs. xxxx
I think it is stretching my muscles and helping with the stiffness in my wrists and ankles and I do feel I have a bit more energy after Yoga. I only manage 1 day a week at present due to work ect and it is very dependent on how I am when I get up. xxx
That’s good even better you can still work I miss not being at work think that was the hardest part hopefully find magic pill and I can get back out to work x
I do a seated Pilates class. We use a big ball rather than a chair. The instructor modifies movements depending on our problems. It has helped me a lot. My balance is a lot better and I don't have to get up from the floor which I don't think I could do.
Thank you for your reply Gillian it’s giving me lots of options to think about 🙂
Hello. Your question about tai chi and yoga. I did yoga many years ago and loved it. I cannot do it now because if I get onto the floor I am stuck there. Cannot kneel down either. But tai chi I also did when I was much younger. Have had pa for 50 years now so feel able to comment. I have recently taken up tai chi again. I love it. It is very gentle and you only do what you can. It makes me feel alive when I have finished. I would suggest you join a group of beginners. It is much better to do it with others. We also do Qigong which is as gentle as you need it. If there is something which hurts me I do it very gently. You work at your own pace. You can then do it at home if you wish but I enjoy the company of others. Give it a try. Good luck.
Thanks for your reply.yes I’m same can’t kneel down with my knees.Its a very lonely illness I’ve found as I was a ppl person it very hard to adjust to so a group would be ideal that way if I can find one x
Try Abundant Energy. We have a good group in Sidcup but don’t know where you are. They have lots of classes. We are all beginners. Google them. Good luck
There are hundreds of articles showing research of Tai Chi & Qigong on cancers. Most are favourable and positive. Here is a readable one: ' A systematic review of the effectiveness of qigong exercise in supportive cancer care.' Cecilia L Chan, et al. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
I believe that with the research I've found it is core factor in the successful remission of my CLL.
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