Active Low-Carber Forums

Active Low-Carber Forums (http://forum.lowcarber.org/index.php)
-   Beginner/Low Intensity (http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=12)
-   -   Tai Chi (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=475105)

andante Sat, Oct-01-16 09:53

Tai Chi
 
As I've posted elsewhere, my partner had a stroke in mid July that initially compromised the entire right side of his body. Now, he can walk again -- usually without even a walker -- and climb stairs. He has never been especially physically fit, and his balance is shaky. Before the stroke, he was very overweight; he has lost 8 pounds before the stroke and 40 pounds after!!! (Since mid July). We are both still overweight -- but with 95 pounds gone between the two of us we are making great progress.... I just cracked the "obese" number and he is close to doing so. Our goal is to get down to the weights we were in college where we met.

We decided to try Tai Chi at the local senior center, (which feels really weird because we aren't (yet!) seniors, and although I am overweight, I am very athletic and agile). But anyway... we have gone to class for 2 weeks and I have checked out some YouTube vids and I love this. It is GREAT for me because it really works my arms (Walking is great, too, but you end up with great legs and chicken arms). I also like the rhythmic dance-like quality of it, even if I often look like and "I Love Lucy" about Lucy trying to dance in a chorus line! And it is great for my partner because it is low intensity, he can take rests when he needs to, and it works all of his body and his balance. So this even is doable for someone who is quite overweight AND has had a stroke! The instructor even said that if it got too hard for him to continue in a standing of walking position, he could just do the arms in a chair. Yet it can be as challenging as you want to make it (by really doing the positions well).

Anyway, I thought I'd share this because I thought others might be in the same boat of wanting to exercise, yet feeling limited because of their weight or current physical condition. I can really see adding this to my exercise schedule (which this winter will include walking and downhill skiing) for a lifetime fitness plan! And I think it's something my partner can and will do, as well.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:18.

Copyright © 2000-2024 Active Low-Carber Forums @ forum.lowcarber.org
Powered by: vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.