R. Shawn Tucker shows the form to Oddie Adkins during a Therapeutic Tai Chi class at Brentwood Center of Health.

Mary Rich, 57, says after coming to Therapeutic Tai Chi classes at BCOH for several weeks:
“I appreciate calmness and awareness that tai chi brings. An increase in my daily energy is already evident. I now practice on my own almost every morning for 10 – 15 minutes. I feel a boost to my energy flow by participating in the class so a “down” day can become a good day after the class… ”

Oddie Adkins, 68, has attended a Therapeutic Tai Chi class for several months at BCOH and now goes to a regular tai chi class lead by Herb Parran:
“I go bowling three times a week. So over time I developed some shoulder problems. Now, I use tai chi to warm up before bowling, and this loosens up my joints. Tai chi movements also help me deal with back pain, and, generally, to relax.”

JoEllen Potchen-Webb, 53, took Therapeutic Tai Chi classes for more than 6 months and believes they helped her build endurance:
“My balance has improved. I can touch the floor now, and I feel more confident in my big body. This low-impact exercise system works well for people who deal with weight issues.”

Gillian Parrish, 36, was in the middle of her 8-week course of Therapeutic Tai Chi, when she shared with us how she feels about the practice:
“Do I find the taiji exercises beneficial to my health? Certainly. The use of the whole body moving from the core, the fluid motion of the arms and neck are two things that already are helping counter my daily computer work, which can lead to wrist/neck/shoulder pain/headaches, etc. And that’s just mechanical. There’s also the benefits of leaving a class that happens on a midweek weeknight feeling lighter, clearer, truly refreshed as if from a wonderful swim or nap.”

Connie Lund told us after a recent class how she feels about her practicing tai chi for many years:
“I now rarely get sick, maybe a cold once every 3 years. I have arthritis in my wrists and fingers but this condition doesn’t bother me when I practice routinely.  Having practiced tai chi for over 10 years with Sifu Justin, Sifu Herb, and Sifu Sis, I have experienced the benefit of peace of mind and sense of happiness that one can expect from exercising. Tai Chi is just different from any other exercise… It’s more like a play. And you are really doing something to improve your health without having to hurt afterwards… “