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Tai Chi: 5 Minutes to Midnight

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NightI always aim for the perfect week when it comes to my Tai Chi training.

This involves training six days a week with Sunday’s my Yin day (rest). Lately I’ve been very busy with work that I have to do what I call ‘catch up training’ on a Sunday –  for the Tai Chi drills I haven’t been able to do during the week.

Well, last Saturday I knew I’d be doing ‘catch up training’ on Sunday so I had to make sure I did as much as I could on Saturday.

I did my early morning 30 minute stance work and then worked on a memoir I’m writing. In between the writing I did more Tai Chi training to stay on schedule.

I ran out of time because I had to dash off and go into town and catch a play which left me with 18 minutes of Tai Chi training to complete.

When we got back from town, about 8.00pm, I did 10 minutes of standing leg stretches but I still had to do my power weapon drills, unfortunately my weapons were at home.

So, luckily I had an ‘early’ night and got back home at about 11.47pm. As soon as I got home I turned on the heating and then grabbed my weapons to train with.

Eigth minutes later I’d completed my training. It was five minutes to midnight.

Well, I was feeling pretty good that I was on target to complete my perfect week of training – only about 70 minutes to do on Sunday. Easy.

Woke up Sunday morning with a head cold and that was the end of any more training and my perfect week of training.

As Ned Kelly once said, ‘such is life’.

But I am proud of my 5 minutes to midnight effort.

June: Push Hands in the Park

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Push Hands 4aHere are the details for the next Push Hands in the Park session.

When: Sunday – June 7

Time: 10.00am – 12 noon

Where: Fawkner Park – South Yarra (Armadale Road entrance), Melbourne, Australia

Friendly, non-competitive push hands (tui shou) practice and play for anyone – old, young, beginners, masters.

Team up with someone and discuss what you’d like to do – and what you’d not like to do!

Ten minute exchanges timed by a bell – but you can rest as well!

Learn, share and enjoy.

All welcomed.

Chair Chi Plus: 81-96 year olds

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chair-chi-training-picLast week I finished the Chair Chi Plus Pilot study at Craigcare Residential Aged Care centre here in Melbourne, Australia and here’s some interesting numbers from the program:

  • Residents Age Range: 81-96 years old
  • Pilot Study Duration: 6 weeks
  • Sessions: 30 minutes – 3 times a week
  • Total sessions: 16
  • Pulse taken: 3 times during each session – resting – mid way – end of session
  • Total participants: 6 high care residents
  • Attendance: 4 residents = 16/16, 1 resident = 10/16, 1 resident 9/16

These numbers plus other statistics and feedback will be part of the report I’m now putting together to determine if the following aims of the study were met:

  • increase in leg strength
  • improved balance
  • achieved cardiovascular workout
  • enhanced emotional and pyschological well being

If you are interested in the final report please contact me and I’ll email you a copy – there’s no charge for the report.

May: Push Hands in the Park

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Push Hands 2aIt’s on again. Push hands in the park this Sunday. Here are the details.

  • Sunday – May 3rd
  • 10.00 am – 12 noon
  • Fawkner Park – South Yarra (Armadale Road entrance), Melbourne, Australia
  • Friendly, non-competitive push hands (tui shou) practice and play for anyone – old, young, beginners, masters
  • Team up with someone and discuss what you’d like to do – and what you’d not like to do!
  • Ten minute exchanges timed by a bell – but you can rest as well!
  • Learn, share and enjoy.

All welcome.