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November 16, 2009

Tai chi helps balance mind and body

From http://www.thespectrum.com/

BY BRIAN PASSEY

bpassey@thespectrum.com

Think kung fu meets yoga.

That's kind of what you get with tai chi. Technically it's a martial art, but rather than being used for combat its purposes is more meditative.

It has been called "meditation in motion," but as local practitioner Master Gary Whitehead points out, new studies have shown it can also be called "medication in motion."

In fact, that's exactly what it's called in the May 2009 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch, a publication of the Harvard Medical School. It cites a variety of studies that have shown tai chi to be effective in fighting the effects of arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson's disease and more.

"I get the health benefits out of it," Whitehead says. "It keeps me very flexible."

Although he says he can't prove it has prevented illness, he hasn't had more than a common cold for the past 10 years.

It's also his primary form of exercise.

"The runners go out and run; I just do this," he says. "This is easier on your joints than running."

Whitehead says tai chi is a form of isometrics that trains the muscles to move slowly. It also teaches balance, which can be helpful for older practitioners.

Because it's meditative by nature, it can also reduce stress, which can contribute to a variety of health problems including weight gain.

Whitehead first became interested in martial arts because of the 1970s television show "Kung Fu." However, he didn't really begin to study until 18 years ago.

He first studied kung fu for more than two years before shifting his focus to tai chi. After 12 years of study Whitehead received his own certificate as a master in February 2005.

Now he teaches a variety of tai chi classes throughout St. George. His students range from young college students to one 82-year-old SunRiver resident.

Whitehead teaches the long form of the yang style of tai chi. It comprises 108 moves that take about 30 minutes to complete.

"The form itself is just a group of moves put together so they flow," he says. "Because everything is done so slowly and controlled, it really works the muscle system in a completely different way than we're used to."

Students in Whitehead's class at Dixie State College will attest to tai chi's recognition as an exercise.

"It's definitely more of a workout than it looks like," says Kendra Nielson. "It builds endurance."

She says it didn't seem that demanding at first but woke up with sore muscles after the first few classes.

Her brother, Kyle Nielson, is also in the class. He says the slow moves can be demanding.

"The slower you do it the tougher and tougher you get," he says.

Because of the slow, fluid motion of tai chi, it can be relaxing to watch.

During Whitehead's DSC class, peaceful Asian music plays as nine students move slowly in near unison. Some go a bit faster while others go slower, but the same basic moves are made. It looks like kung fu in slow motion - like they are poised for combat yet entirely at peace.

Some of the motions are similar to yoga poses, if the yogis looked like they were about to smack you in the face. A few of the students move more robotically than the others but the majority of them seem to have a fairly natural flow.

Mario Alanis says he hopes the tai chi class will help him develop strength in his back and knees while Mason Runs Through hopes to lose some weight by practicing tai chi Runs Through also says he plays a lot of contact sports and tai chi seems to help ease the pain of sports injuries.

Not all of the students mention the physical benefits, though. Charmayne Fowler says the tai chi class makes her more aware.

"I feel more lively," she says. "I feel like I'm renewed when I come out."

Whitehead will begin teaching a new college class in January as the new semester begins, but there are other opportunities to learn from him.

While the SunRiver class is intended for residents of that community, he also teaches a course through the Community Education program and one at the Red Cliffs Wellness Center.

Those who are interested are welcome to start the class at anytime. Although Whitehead teaches the form step by step, he doesn't mind going back to help newcomers catch up.

To contact Whitehead call (435) 673-2260.
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Tai chi helps balance mind and body

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