Fit and flexible

Press, 24 January 1986, Page 18

Fit and flexible

Zac Harrison, a forestry worker, one of Dr Hu’s earlymorning group at Linwood, says that getting up is the hardest part, but tai chi keeps him fit, flexible, and alert in all the senses.

Russell Brand, a cleaner, has been practising for a month and already finds it good for relaxation. George Barrett, a painter, says tai chi gets him on the right level for the day, enabling him to be much more controlled in an up-tight society. John Pallot, a semi-retired businessman, has been doing tai

chi for 14 years. It is better than jogging, he says, keeps him reasonably flexible, and although it consists of slow movements, helps develop very fast reactions.

The Yang school of tai chi, he says, is the nearest answer to war and peace to be found anywhere. The philosophy of total defence does not imply one is not well equipped to deal with an aggressor. “If you are prepared you can keep the peace.” Dr Robert Biggs, who has been practising tai chi for three

years, says it helps mental and. physical relaxation, and im-; proves balance. He sees it promoting well-being and helping to reduce tension, along with > other activities, such as medita- -. tion. Chinese medical authoritieshave found tai chi effective in,, treating high blood pressure,* nervous and mental disorders,, and tuberculosis. u Practised regularly, they,, have found it can help combat, heart disease and can also improve breathing and strengthen., bones, muscles, and joints. -