Wednesday, August 25, 2010 sylvia asks

Q: Anyone tried Tai Chi ?

I am signing up for a class next month, and wondered if anyone else with RA had any experience with Tai Chi, I know Yoga is also a really good exercise, but my problem is, I have a hard time getting up and down off the floor, both of my ankles are really weak and so are my wrists, so I have a hard time leaning my weight on them, would be really interested to hear, before I sign up and find out I cannot do it.

Also I take a lot of vitamins, I am really low in B12, infact my GP gives me monthly shots of the vitamin, any one recommend any particular vitamins that help with the Immune system ? I am also taking prednisone that I know effects my bones, so I am taking 2000 IU of vitamin D and Caltrate daily to help my bones.

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Answers (2)

ronie

8/25/10 10:25pm

As an asian I love Tai Chai and will recommend it to anyone. However, please be aware that you will use more muscles than you ever knew you had to move so slowly and fluidly. It is great for toning and endurance but in the beginning your will shake and sweat until you find your balance. Remember it is also a Zen form of exercise and a bit of knowledge on meditation, harmony and balance are a necessary learning foundation. I had to stop because of crunchy bones. I will start up asap.

There are videos and books on the subject but they are nothing like actual classes with a Tai Chai Master (a sensei or xiangsheng). The feeling of harmony they teach is amazing.

I likey, and I recommend, if you have the nerve..hehehehe. (wicked laugh)

sylvia

8/26/10 5:43pm

Thank you Sal and Ronie for your info, I have talked to the Instructer and he said, I should just come as a drop in for the first day, and then decide if I want to join, so I will let you know how I do. I am looking forword to it as I have become very lazy, as walking is quite hard for me, pain in feet, ankles and hips, where I live is very hilly so I am constantly huffing and puffing when I go for a walk, so consequently I don't get enough exercise, and end up very stiff.

Sal B

8/28/10 10:57am

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Sal B

8/25/10 7:04pm

Hi Sylvia - well done for taking the plunge and signing up!

I've been going to Tai Chi for nearly a year now, and it's made an enormous difference to my balance, flexibility and to my confidence. I'm based in the UK and our local branch of the charity Arthritis Care has asked a senior Tai Chi tutor to run a special class, so we aren't stretched beyond our capabilities, and the warm up session is gentler than a standard class. I go even in flare ups, or when my reactions to my DMARDs make me feel awful, because the Tai Chi gives me energy, even if I only manage a small part of the class. Practising gently at home helps too.

If there isn't a special class for people with RA or other disabilities, then talk to your tutor, and s/he will suggest alternatives to moves you can't manage at the moment. Tai Chi is all about what it best for you, so good luck, and have a go!

Q: Anyone tried Tai Chi ?

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