Get a move on with tai chi

Angela Bakker is keen to spruik the health benefits of Taoist tai chi, an art the 74- year-old has been practising for more than 20 years.

Ms Bakker will be starting beginner classes on Monday afternoons from April and said the new classes would be the perfect introduction for anyone keen to try the art or try again after an extended break.

Taoist tai chi consists of 108 movements spaced over about 20 minutes, and exercises every major joint and muscle

in the body as well as focusing the mind.

The benefits include relieving stress as well as improving concentration, co-ordination and balance. While it isn’t strictly exercise, there’s always a sweat worked up at the end of a session.

An instructor with Broome Taoist Tai Chi, Ms Bakker said the exercise was suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

“Tai chi can be especially beneficial for people with osteoarthritis, backaches, poor circulation, hypertension, migraine and many other conditions,” she said.

A scientific study into tai chi by UWA researcher Richard Lefroy found the benefits extended beyond simple physical health.

“Concentration and recall are demanded to acquire the sequence of the 108 movements of the set,” Dr Lefroy said.

“An added bonus comes from contact with others determined to improve and thereby to continue with a pleasant form of exercise.”

Broome’s Taoist Tai Chi has grown in recent months to more than a dozen members. Ms Bakker said performing the 108 movements in 20 minutes sounded like it could be done easily at a break-neck speed but the real art of tai chi was to slow down and concentrate on perfecting the movements.

She said even after 20 years of practice and instructing others, she was still refining her style and movements.

The style was created by a Chinese Taoist monk, Master Moy Linshin in 1970 and is practised in more than 500 locations in 28 countries.

Beginner classes in Broome begin on April 4, 5-6.30pm, while regular classes continue, 9.30-11am on Saturdays at Notre Dame University’s hall.

For more information, contact Angela Bakker on 9192 1056, racrawford@westnet.com.au or visit www.taoist.org.au