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Getting Personal
Dave Raecke mimics tai chi instructor, Carrie Blair, as she
works with the members on
the 24 forms of tai chi.
Ancient Techniques - Modern Results
As the music hums in the background, the class members begin their fluid movements. They inhale as one pose melts into the next.
Dave Raecke, who has been practicing tai chi at the Wellness Center for the past couple years, says, "Tai chi was devoloped from the Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes controlled, slow breath and movements; and balance and meditation that connects mind and body. "It is an "all-body" exercise that improves muscles, joints, ligaments and internal organs- working all parts of the body and improving blood flow and tone." (Click here to read the full story.)
Ask the Experts
Dr. David, medical director of the
Wellness Center.
Q: What are the health benefits of regular participation
in tai chi?
Dr. David, medical director of the Wellness Center, says tai chi can be beneficial to most people, regardless of their beginning fitness levels.
As a mind/body exercise, tai chi can have many benefits:
It improves strength, flexibility and balance which reduces falls and increases endurance. Tai chi is primarily performed standing with slow, fluid movements. The movements, and improve upper and lower body strength. Strengthening the body allows participants to increase their physicial activity in other ways, like walking and biking.
It requires full concentration. Some think of it as a form of meditation, and as such, it reduces stress and can provide lasting benefits long after the exercises are complete.
It encourages correct breathing and controlled muscle movements, which are both good habits for lasting health.
It can significantly alleviate osteoarthritis pain by keeping the joints moving through low-impact exercise. Tai chi reduces stiffness as well as strengthens the muscles that support the joints.
Tai Chi is offered at the Wellness Center Wednesdays, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. More classes and times may be added depending on demand. For more information, contact the Wellness Center at 540-316-2640.
*Consult your doctor to find out if tai chi is a good option for you.
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Fauquier Health Wellness Center is now on Facebook.
are a great option at home or as a barbeque side dish.
Email us your own favorite recipe for a chance to win a prize!
Member Survey- Cast Your Vote!
The Wellness Center has switched from Comcast to DirecTV. Due to the nature of our facility, DirecTV can only broadcast 16 channels. We have selected eight channels that we already know are popular with our members, but we want to get your input on what you really enjoy watching while exercising.
A recent study of the health in our community (Fauquier and Rappahannock counties) confirmed that cardiac disease is the leading cause of death, second only to cancer. It is also a leading cause of hospitalizations. This is distressing because cardiac diesease risks can be significantly lowered through simple lifesyle changes. If you are at risk for cardiac disease, don't wait until your heart fails to talk with your doctor. Prevention should be your goal.
