|
Robert Martinez (in front, wearing glasses) teaching Tai Chi. PHOTO NAncy Bruning
Sometimes you just have to go for it and try something whether you fully understand it or not. Such was the case with me and the free Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes in Fort Tryon Park.
I thought: it must be healthy to experience the sunrise while moving slowly and (sort of) gracefully among majestic Linden trees and overlooking the great Hudson River, right?
Millions of Chinese people and others all over the world can’t be wrong in practicing healing arts that are hundreds of years old. Even though neither seem to be very much of a workout, following the instructions of such peaceful, kind, knowledgeable teachers can’t be a mistake or a waste of time, could it?
Still, curiosity got the better of me, and I did a little research. What these two practices have in common is that they aim to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi or Chi (pronounced “chee”) a Chinese word meaning vital life energy. They combine movement, deep relaxation, and breathing to move energy along the acupuncture meridians (energy pathways).
Qi Gong is purported to cultivate inner strength, calm the mind, and restore health. In fact, scientific studies demonstrate that practicing Qi Gong regularly can reduce stress, increase circulation, increase resistance to disease.
And Tai Chi, which is form of Qi Gong, has been shown to improve range of motion, posture and cardio-respiratory health; in older adults it improves balance and flexibility and can reduce the rate of falls. That’s quite a list, considering it sometimes looks like you’re doing a lot of nothing.
Truly, when you see either of these practices for the first time, you might scratch your head and wonder whether you're witnessing a form of dance, prayer, stretching exercise, deep-breathing program or a martial art. Some people define Tai Chi, as it is practiced in the West today, as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are several forms and styles of these practices but generally, you go through a sequence of movements slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth transitions between them.
Outdoor classes have a long tradition and a modern raison d’etre. It is said that these movements are originally derived from the martial arts; but also perhaps from the natural movements of animals and birds. They are related to the ancient philosophy of Taoism which espouses a calm, reflective and mystic view of the world steeped in the beauty and tranquility of nature.
“There’s more Qi outdoors and the early morning has particularly good Qi,” said George Komeni the Qi Gong instructor.
“You get to borrow the earth Chi – the river Chi, the tree Chi, the sun Chi – and circulate it around your body. It was probably originally practiced outdoors in a rural courtyard a forested area with a lot of trees,” Tai Chi instructor Robert Martinez said.
All I know is, I loved the feeling of being surrounded by a sea of nature’s Chi or Qi or whatever. After either class, I felt wonderful – peaceful yet alive and light, and looking forward to the rest of the day.
Qi Gong Classes: Mondays, 7:30am to 8:30am from Aug. 16 to Sep. 6. Tai Chi Classes: Wednesdays, 6:30am to 7:30am. Through Aug. 25.
For more information and updates (Sunset Yoga in Fort Tryon Park, written up in last month’s Fit in the City column, and Tai Chi may be extended) visit http://www.forttryonparktrust.org and click on “Fitness.”
Nancy Bruning has a master’s degree in public health, is a certified personal trainer, and is the author or co-author of over 25 books on health and fitness. She also is the Chair of the Friends Committee of the Fort Tryon Part Trust and leads outdoor fitness experiences and weight loss workshops. Visit Nancy’s web site at www.NancyBruning.net, hear her at www.blogtalkradio.com/Nancercize, or email her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
|
