TAI CHI EASY FOR LIFE

06/19/2026

Once Again our friends at Harvard are illuminating the Benefits of Tai Chi

A sharper mind: how tai chi may boost cognitive function

Until about two decades ago, scientists believed the brain produced new cells only early in life. Research now shows that the brain can change across the lifespan by growing new cells, forming new connections, and even increasing in size. These changes can strengthen cognitive function, and several forms of exercise—including tai chi—may help support them.
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found that tai chi may improve executive function—the ability to multitask, manage time, and make decisions—in people without cognitive decline. Among those with mild cognitive impairment, tai chi slowed progression to dementia more than other exercises and improved cognition about as well as other exercise programs or cognitive training.
In one study, nearly 400 adults with some cognitive impairment practiced either tai chi or a stretching and toning program three times a week. After one year, the tai chi group improved more, and only 2% progressed to dementia, compared with 11% in the traditional exercise group.
Another study found tai chi more effective than walking. After 40 weeks of tai chi, walking, social interaction, or no intervention, MRI scans showed the greatest increase in brain volume among participants in the tai chi group. They also scored higher on cognitive tests.

06/19/2026

Harvard Medical Lists of the Five Best Exercise You Could Ever Do

FIVE BEST EXERCISES YOU CAN EVER DO
1. Swimming: Swimming is good for individuals with arthritis because it’s less weight bearing. Swimming can improve your mental state and put you in a better mood. Water aerobics is another option. These classes help you burn calories and tone up.
2. Tai Chi: It is good for both body and mind. In fact, it’s been called “meditation in motion. Tai chi is made up of a series of graceful movements, one transitioning smoothly into the next. Because the classes are offered at various levels, tai chi is accessible, and valuable, for people of all ages and fitness levels. “It’s particularly good for older people because balance is an important component of fitness, and balance is something we lose as we get older,” Dr. Lee says.
3. Strength training: Lifting light weights won’t bulk up your muscles, but it will keep them strong. If you don’t use muscles, they will lose their strength over time. Muscle also helps burn calories. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, so it’s easier to maintain your weight. Strength training might also help preserve your ability to remember.
Before starting a weight training program, be sure to learn the proper form. Start light with just one or two pounds. You should be able to lift the weights 10 times with ease. After a couple of weeks, increase that by a pound or two. If you can easily lift the weights through the entire range of motion more than 12 times, move up to slightly heavier weight.
4. Walking: Walking is simple yet powerful. It can help you stay trim, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen bones, keep blood pressure in check, lift your mood and lower your risk for a number of diseases (diabetes and heart disease for example). A number of studies have shown that walking and other physical activities can improve memory and resist age-related memory loss.
All you need is a well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes. Start by walking for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Over time, walk farther and faster until you are walking for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week.
5. Kegel exercises: These exercises won’t help you look better, but they do something just as important — strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. Strong pelvic floor muscles can go a long way toward preventing incontinence. While many women are familiar with Kegels, these exercises can benefit men too.
To do a Kegel exercise correctly, squeeze and release the muscles you would use to stop urination or keep from passing gas. Alternate quick squeezes and releases with longer contractions that you hold for 10 seconds, release, and then relax for 10 seconds. Work up to three 3 sets of 10-15 Kegel exercises each day.

06/09/2026

Lets learn and follow a wonderful teacher instruct the basics of Tai Chi Walking

Follow this Tai Chi Walking tutorial for beginners for balance, coo...

06/03/2026

Dear Friends.. we are always seeking ways to enhance our functional day to day balance and confidence to navigate the planet safely. Please take the time to watch this YouTube video including the annoying ads to completion. You may want to begin this simple practice at home and over time age with more confidence and safety.

Follow along with Tai Chi for seniors, using simple balance and sta...

05/24/2026

Summer Relocation June 1 for 10 Weeks
All Classes at the SPBRC
to
The Warren Webster Community Center
1500 Pass-a-Grille Way
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
see website for more information

www.taichieasyforlife.com

05/13/2026

While on a one week trip, my nightly reading was Tai Chi Thoughts & Theories. Much discussion on the concepts of "substantial and insubstantial" and the importance of transition.. lower half of body substantial (Yang) and upper body insubstantial (Yin) I came away with the ancient wisdom of importance of not seeking perfection. The valuable need to keep it simple. Best even to focus on one aspect of movements only so as not to over think and create stress restricting Shen. Looking with great anticipation to returning to our class in SPBRC tomorrow after returning from journey.

04/20/2026

Harvard has been at the epicenter of Tai Chi research in the US. Please take a moment to review the promising help with cognitive decline.

In a meta-analysis of 20 studies on tai chi and cognition, tai chi appears to improve executive function-the ability to multitask, manage time, and make decisions-in people without any cognitive decline. In those with mild cognitive impairment, tai chi slowed the progression to dementia more than other types of exercise and improved their cognitive function in a comparable fashion to other types of exercise or cognitive training.

In one study, researchers had nearly 400 men and women with some cognitive impairment perform either tai chi or a stretching and toning program three times a week. After a year, the tai chi group showed greater improvements, and only 2% of that group progressed to dementia, while 11% from the traditional exercise group did.

In another study, tai chi outperformed walking. Following 40 weeks of either tai chi, walking, social interaction, or no intervention, researchers compared MRI images and discovered that brain volume increased the most in the tai chi group. In addition, that group also performed better on cognitive tests.

04/03/2026

Good Morning Friends... This article reminds us of the universal recognition of the fusion of mind and body. The intractable interaction that we cultivate during our Qigong & Tai Chi practice to improve heath and wellness.

Inflammation in the gut may affect mood and mental health. Learn how the gut-brain axis links digestive health to emotions like anxiety and low mood....

02/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjwAkYxia/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The mindful movement has become popular online. You won’t bulk up if you practice it, but it can improve balance and reduce stress.

02/12/2026

Harvard Medical School recently reported "
"Falls are a serious risk to your health and independence...

Every second, someone age 65 or older suffers a fall, making it the No. 1 cause of injury-related death in this age group. According to the CDC, about 20% of adults falls lead to life-altering changes, primarily from broken bones or head injury.

Some falling injuries are even fatal. Deaths from falls have increased 70% in the past 10 years.

But the good news is... you can prevent falls!

Many of the factors that cause older folks to fall can be managed with simple changes you can make today. Embrace a few healthy habits and easy exercises for strength and balance,,, and you’re well on your way to avoiding a fall" Come join our focused class dedicated to "Fall Prevention"