tai chi

ang12

Hi until recently I was a very active keep fit person but I had to give up alot of what I did because of the arthritis in my hips and pelvis,but I've been told about Tai chi that its a gentle but good feeling exercise does anyone do this and how do you feel after it and would you recommend it .
Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you :-)

tillytop

I've not tried it but I know people who have and who have really enjoyed it. Some physio depts run tai-chi courses - at my hospital they run a tai-chi group for people with osteoporosis - and it might be worth seeing if you can find out if there is a physio led tai-chi group at your local hospital. Apparently it is a very good general exercise and helps with balance and co-ordination without putting a lot of strain on the joints - but I would always suggest checking with your doc or physio dept first to make sure it is suitable for you - and to make sure that whatever class you attend is run by someone who understands the limitations of your arthritis so that you are not going to do something which gives you more problems.

If you do try it, really hope you find it enjoyable and beneficial.

Tillyx

salamander

Hi Ang12, I tried it and didn't find it that gentle to be honest. There was a lot of standing which was too much of a strain on my knees and it does require a bit of stamina. I didn't go back.

stickywicket

Tilly is spot on as usual. I've not tried it but I think it is recommended for arthritis (Check out the 'Exercise' booklet in the Publications and Resources section at the top of the page.)

I think I might personally find, like Salamander, that I couldn't stand up long enough but a session led by a 'proper' physiotherapist might well allow you to sit down for some exercises. Definitely worth checking out.

salamander

Now that you mention it, Sticky, the teacher did say I could do some of them sitting down. I still didn't go back.

LignumVitae

I did tai chi for quite a while, it was really good for gently stretching and moving joints. I did find that going over moves could get a bit tricky but I just used to sit down when I needed a rest. Most Tai Chi classes, at least the beginner ones are mixed capabilities so you won't feel 'odd' sitting down for some of it or sitting some of the moves out altogether. The only reason I stopped going was because the instructor blew his top and got really angry with the group one day over nothing. I decided it wasn't the best advert for the zen calm Tai Chi was meant to achieve (and I couldn't be doing with angry men in my spare time). Give it a try and let us know how you go xx

frogmella

Have you tried pilates? I have been going since September and I have found it really good. My friend goes who has had hip replacements and she just makes some adjustments to the moves.

Just a thought really.

bubbadog

I tried Tai Chi for a month but found the standing up for an hr what with the warming up exercises as well as the main lesson and the warming down exercises was too long too long a time! They did say during the lesson if certain people who find such an excersise to hard to do can sit out. But what did it for me was breaking my foot while doing a certain exercise!!
It is a really good form of exercsise for some people but not all, it's a case of trying out and see if it's good for you. Hope you find something that agree's with your way of life.

ang12

Thank you for all the advice I will speak to the doctor first and frogella I've never though about Pilates I ll enquire about that as well.
Once again thanks everyone. Take care x

frogmorton

HI Ang12

I have done Ti Chi and love it - in fact the classes can be oversubcribed.

There is a lady at our class who has MS and she has a chair to use for some of the moves.

Love

Toni xx

LolaCrayola

Try chi gung, it is slower than tai chi.