For the Contra Costa Times
It was 10 years ago, at the age of 71, that Brentwood's Bob Wolf first started learning about Tai Chi for help with his aging body. He took a class on the ancient Chinese exercise and immediately became interested in learning more about it.
In the first three years, Wolf spent much of his time reading books and learning from his teachers. He was such a dedicated student that his instructor asked if Wolf would work beside him as an assistant.
"At first it was like learning to drive," Wolf said about learning tai chi. "You get used to driving and you stop paying attention to detail the longer you drive. Your subconscious takes over."
Tai chi, as it is practiced in the West today, can best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number of forms, or what Wolf describes as sets, which consist of a sequence of movements. Many of the movements are similar to what can be found in martial arts exercises.
The way they are performed in tai chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them — all of which Wolf says makes the exercises perfect for seniors.
About a year and a half ago Wolf began teaching tai chi as a class at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. At 81 years old, Wolf understands exactly how hard it is for seniors to get around and exercise.
"The older you are the easier it is to be injured in exercise. Slow and continuous movement helps to avoid injury. This is particularly good for people who haven't exercised in a long time," he said.
One of the main teachings that Wolf stresses in his classes is about guided imagery. He believes that when done correctly, forms of tai chi can make seniors feel
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the stress melt away as they explore several different types of movements, stretching and guided imagery. This blend of "healing arts" is designed to improve flexibility and release blocked energy.
During his tai chi studies, Wolf has also been reading books on Chinese medicine, especially acupressure. During his classes he helps seniors hone in on such painful elderly issues as arthritis and diabetes.
"Repeated slow movements and thoughts are used to train the muscle memory and the subconscious to move efficiently and effectively. Over time, balance and health are improved and maintained, and the effects of aging lessen," Wolf said.
Wolf takes every opportunity he can to learn about his craft. He even spent some time visiting China and going to parks where people have been studying tai chi for centuries. "The Chinese practice tai chi on a national level to improve health," he said.
Wolf said that tai chi methods have been practiced in China as far back as the 1600s.
Wolf said the public is welcome to sign up for his new set of classes at the Brentwood Senior Activity Center. One doesn't have to be a senior to take the classes, but his class works primarily to help seniors with their issues and concerns. The class is called Tai Chi Qi Gong. Two new classes begin next week. One class runs on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. beginning March 23 and ending May 25. The second class runs on Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. beginning March 25 and ending May 27.
The fee for the 10-week class is $45 a session. There is a 10-student minimum for each class. Those interested in joining should sign up by calling 925-516-5444. This class is offered in partnership with the Liberty Adult Education program.
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