Tai Chi

Tai-chi is wonderful- but you really need to find the right class- eg with someone who is very experienced, and knows how to adjust exercises for those with any kind of handicap, especially knees. I did tai-chi and Gi Gung for years in the UK, and it was club rather than a class- with several members qualified to help small groups or individuals.

Here I found a really nice young teacher- she is extremely fit and has done 'extreme' courses- but just does not know how to adjust exercises for the older less fit person- so expects us to stand still for several minutes- which is excruciating for my knee (full replacement next year- due to very old severe injury in car accident when I was young- months in traction and re-break, etc- and 1 let shorter by 2.5cm). I am desperate to do tai-chi again- but just can't find the right class in my rural area, sadly.

Forgot to say, a DVD is really not a good idea- imho- might be ok for gi-gung exercises, but certainly not for the 'form' (eg a series of movements). There are several places that do week-long residential courses- so that might be an idea- and then you could continue on your own at home. Perhaps Google residential course Tai-chi, Gi gung.

Residential course???

Who's going to look after DH (who can't drive), two dogs, two cats, 12 chickens, a two acre garden and drive DGS to and from the school bus.

Lovely idea though

#ifIwinthelottery

ooops, sorry then the suggestion was daft in the circumstances. But it would indeed be great- I would have joined you

I am seriously thinking of joining a group local to me - I've been waiting to finish physio for a frozen shoulder but that is now ok. All I have to do now is pluck up the courage to do it!

I went to a class that my friend runs and found the moves incredibly complicated [even though they look simple] but it is something I would like to persevere with [I didn't go back because I felt I was holding everyone else up]. There's lots of stuff on utube to show you different moves.

I didn't think of youtube, Tegan

Off to have a gander.

I've done Tai Chi for years-currently not able just now because of a knee injury. You do need someone to keep an eye on you but there are a few guidelines you can use to protect your knees.
1. When your leg bends your knee should never come further forward than your toes, so you may not rise and fall as much as you expect, but any movement is helpful. when you transfer weight from one to other foot same rule applies.
2. When you turn to the side do not turn too far. Knee always in line with toes.
Try to find a class it is so much easier with expert guidance.

I gave up on it. Just didn't enjoy it and couldn't realistically see how it could possibly help. Standing for an hour really hurt my knees too so I gave up and joined an Aquafit class. Good exercise and joint well supported by the water

I went to lessons for a few months but didn't really take to it. I much prefer yoga. A friend who has knee problems does an aquafit class and finds this helps (like Jane10).

Mmm! Beginning to wonder whether I should now!

it is also excellent for the memora- as you have to memorise the exercise in the right order. The key is to attend every week, so you always add just another movement. If you miss regularly, you just cannot catch up easily. I remember bursting into tears with frustration (not like me ... it was weird- I think tai-chi also does have an effect on your emotions and 'clears the system') - good for breathing properly, really beneficial for circulation and blood pressure and relaxation, sleep, digestion, and more. Most tai-chi teachers will also teach warm-up and down techniques, massage and accupressure points for all sorts of ailments.