8/13/11
My second session with this video. This time I did better and I didn’t fall during the leg lifting part of the form. It seemed to flow a little smoother for me, even though I still felt clumsy. Because Tai Chi is so slow, the muscles are used differently and I really feel it. I didn’t think I would be able to see the martial arts in these forms, but I do. I can see where the blocks, strikes and kicks are.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Tai Chi
7/30/11
My first attempt at following this video. The slowness was difficult and as usual I felt clumsy. The video is nice and slow and relatively easy to follow. The instructor begins with Chi Kung and then goes into the Tai Chi forms. The movements are not that difficult, even thought I almost fell… twice.
I like having this on video because the convenience is, of course, a bonus. I don’t feel the pressure to be perfect, like when I have a live instructor and classmates.
My first attempt at following this video. The slowness was difficult and as usual I felt clumsy. The video is nice and slow and relatively easy to follow. The instructor begins with Chi Kung and then goes into the Tai Chi forms. The movements are not that difficult, even thought I almost fell… twice.
I like having this on video because the convenience is, of course, a bonus. I don’t feel the pressure to be perfect, like when I have a live instructor and classmates.
Tai Chi
7/20/11
I have been looking at what different Tai Chi videos are available from the library. I have settled on one called “Element: Tai Chi for Beginners.” I picked this one mainly because it is for beginners. I think I will try a couple of different ones just to see the differences.
I have been looking at what different Tai Chi videos are available from the library. I have settled on one called “Element: Tai Chi for Beginners.” I picked this one mainly because it is for beginners. I think I will try a couple of different ones just to see the differences.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tai Chi
7/14/11
So, I have been focusing on getting my neck better. I feel good, I feel bad, I feel good, I am incapacitated, back and forth. I have been referred to a pain management specialist and have been seeing a chiropractor. One of these things have to work.
I have gotten many emails from various friends on the Facebook site recommending me to train in Tai Chi to help in my rehabilitation. Many of these instructors have told me that the exercises will help with pain, balance and general health. These emails started when I first had my back injury.
Now that I have more information and experience with my neck problems, I feel that I can begin training again. So, which one to start with? How about Tai Chi?
I contacted a couple of instructors and had no luck at all! I thought that if I trained with an instructor, they could help me to also learn Tai Chi as a martial art and a rehabilitative exercise. After a couple of rejections from instructors, I was stuck. What do I do now?
I was discussing my dilemma with my father. He has started taking yoga classes at the local recreation center and was disappointed with the instructor. He decided to just get a video and do his yoga at home. He recommended the same for me. At first, I was completely against the idea. I started thinking about it more, and looked into Tai Chi videos. I found that there was a lot of instructional material.
So, now I’ve decided to go that route. I am sure that many people would feel more comfortable doing any of this in their own home. So, why not see what is out there and see if it is any good? I am hoping to get feedback from the various Tai Chi masters on Facebook.
So, I have been focusing on getting my neck better. I feel good, I feel bad, I feel good, I am incapacitated, back and forth. I have been referred to a pain management specialist and have been seeing a chiropractor. One of these things have to work.
I have gotten many emails from various friends on the Facebook site recommending me to train in Tai Chi to help in my rehabilitation. Many of these instructors have told me that the exercises will help with pain, balance and general health. These emails started when I first had my back injury.
Now that I have more information and experience with my neck problems, I feel that I can begin training again. So, which one to start with? How about Tai Chi?
I contacted a couple of instructors and had no luck at all! I thought that if I trained with an instructor, they could help me to also learn Tai Chi as a martial art and a rehabilitative exercise. After a couple of rejections from instructors, I was stuck. What do I do now?
I was discussing my dilemma with my father. He has started taking yoga classes at the local recreation center and was disappointed with the instructor. He decided to just get a video and do his yoga at home. He recommended the same for me. At first, I was completely against the idea. I started thinking about it more, and looked into Tai Chi videos. I found that there was a lot of instructional material.
So, now I’ve decided to go that route. I am sure that many people would feel more comfortable doing any of this in their own home. So, why not see what is out there and see if it is any good? I am hoping to get feedback from the various Tai Chi masters on Facebook.
Chi Kung
3/25/11
I am having pain. My neck pain seems to follow the weather. The last three months have been difficult because the weather has been causing me so much pain. I want to continue with the Chi Kung classes, but pain and medication seem to be getting in the way of everything.
I am having pain. My neck pain seems to follow the weather. The last three months have been difficult because the weather has been causing me so much pain. I want to continue with the Chi Kung classes, but pain and medication seem to be getting in the way of everything.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Chi Kung
3/11/11
I had my first Chi Kung (aka Quigong) class today at the Lohan School of Shaolin. It seems to be a form of energy (chi) manipulation and meditation. We covered posture, breathing and did a creative visualization meditation.
I have, honestly, never really studied this form of meditation. There will be five classes in this series and we are expected to practice the techniques and learn the material. So, I will be studying and practicing.
On another note, I think this instructor will be teaching me tai chi. I am glad to finally find an instructor, since I have already been rejected by two different instructors. I’m still note sure why I am having such a hard time finding someone to teach me tai chi.
I believe that having this as a foundation will help me to understand Chinese martial arts a little better. Most of them have something to do with using chi. If it also helps my condition, even better.
3/18/11
Class number two went well. We moved more in the class, which was a little difficult. The movements weren’t difficult, it was difficult trying to focus on the energy protocol and then add the hand and arm movements to it. I didn’t really feel that the hand motions were helping move my energy, but we already know that specific movements aren’t my friends.
I was interested in how movement could enhance meditation. I have been meditating for over 20 years, and have never used any kind of movement. I think I might have to practice the movements until they are comfortable and then add them to the meditation. So, for now, I am trying to copy the instructor and try not to look like a complete dork.
I had my first Chi Kung (aka Quigong) class today at the Lohan School of Shaolin. It seems to be a form of energy (chi) manipulation and meditation. We covered posture, breathing and did a creative visualization meditation.
I have, honestly, never really studied this form of meditation. There will be five classes in this series and we are expected to practice the techniques and learn the material. So, I will be studying and practicing.
On another note, I think this instructor will be teaching me tai chi. I am glad to finally find an instructor, since I have already been rejected by two different instructors. I’m still note sure why I am having such a hard time finding someone to teach me tai chi.
I believe that having this as a foundation will help me to understand Chinese martial arts a little better. Most of them have something to do with using chi. If it also helps my condition, even better.
3/18/11
Class number two went well. We moved more in the class, which was a little difficult. The movements weren’t difficult, it was difficult trying to focus on the energy protocol and then add the hand and arm movements to it. I didn’t really feel that the hand motions were helping move my energy, but we already know that specific movements aren’t my friends.
I was interested in how movement could enhance meditation. I have been meditating for over 20 years, and have never used any kind of movement. I think I might have to practice the movements until they are comfortable and then add them to the meditation. So, for now, I am trying to copy the instructor and try not to look like a complete dork.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Getting Back to Exercise
3/5/11
The last visit with my neurologist finally gave me some good news. My efforts with the physical therapy and exercise are paying off. I don’t need to have any more medications and I can slowly start exercising. We talked about running again and he said that there was a limit to my running.
A limit to my running… Unfortunately my brain doesn’t understand that concept. If I run a mile, I want to try for one more. If I run four miles, I want to run six. Well, you get the point. I know that I won’t stop at 6 miles a week or 8 or whatever the magic number will be. So, I have to end my decade relationship with running.
The funny thing is that I say the words “I have to stop running,” but I don’t really get it yet. I keep thinking about when I can run or when I need to buy new shoes or check out a route that looks good. All of these urges are such a huge part of me that my brain doesn’t believe my mouth yet.
I have been having withdrawals. Especially since the weather is getting so nice, my legs want to go. I am having more cramps and not sleeping so well. My lower back is sore and stiff more often. I actually catch myself fantasizing about running, I really have problems.
Since, I have started with the yoga fusion routine, my cramping has really decreased. I am going to start walking and hiking and maybe cycling. When the pool is warm enough, I am going to start swimming again. I have many options and will explore all of them, but it’s hard to give up running.
So, wish me luck. I gotta keep moving.
The last visit with my neurologist finally gave me some good news. My efforts with the physical therapy and exercise are paying off. I don’t need to have any more medications and I can slowly start exercising. We talked about running again and he said that there was a limit to my running.
A limit to my running… Unfortunately my brain doesn’t understand that concept. If I run a mile, I want to try for one more. If I run four miles, I want to run six. Well, you get the point. I know that I won’t stop at 6 miles a week or 8 or whatever the magic number will be. So, I have to end my decade relationship with running.
The funny thing is that I say the words “I have to stop running,” but I don’t really get it yet. I keep thinking about when I can run or when I need to buy new shoes or check out a route that looks good. All of these urges are such a huge part of me that my brain doesn’t believe my mouth yet.
I have been having withdrawals. Especially since the weather is getting so nice, my legs want to go. I am having more cramps and not sleeping so well. My lower back is sore and stiff more often. I actually catch myself fantasizing about running, I really have problems.
Since, I have started with the yoga fusion routine, my cramping has really decreased. I am going to start walking and hiking and maybe cycling. When the pool is warm enough, I am going to start swimming again. I have many options and will explore all of them, but it’s hard to give up running.
So, wish me luck. I gotta keep moving.
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