The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Tai chi class aims to prevent arthritis
The West River Branch of the Elyria Public Library is providing a way to help ease arthritis through tai chi.
Classes take place 10:30 a.m., Mondays, to help those deal with arthritis pain.
Tai chi dates back as far as 2,500 years in China and involves a series of slow, meditative body movements originally designed for selfdefense and to promote inner peace and calm.
“The most important thing, that people don’t realize, is people have to keep moving,” said Mike Stadul, instructor of the class and resident of North Ridgeville. “The less people move, the worse the arthritis will get.”
Stadul said he has taught tai chi for 31 years and he learned it in 1984 in Cleveland Heights.
“I was into hard martial arts when I was younger,” Stadul said. “I noticed, however, that as I got older, the floor got harder and the movements became more taxing on my body.”
Stadul said his friend was the one who showed him tai chi and he saw the potential in teaching the movements.
“It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to
do something with tai chi,” he said. “I’ve been teaching it ever since.”
Stadul said the circular motions are what separate tai chi from typical stretches and exercises.
“The movements help to cause a gradual change in the body” he said. “Those that practice tai chi should see improvement in their range of motion, more relaxed joints and vastly improved balance.”
Stadul said the movements are not very taxing
on the body and they are very relaxing.
“People should look to do these movements a couple of times a day,” he said. “It is an easy routine to get into and it promotes healthy habits.”
Stadul said the arrangement with the library began when they contacted him.
“The tai chi classes began because we had a chance to work with the Lorain County (General) Health District a couple of years ago,” said Debby Krejsa,
adult services coordinator at the Elyria Public Library. “We had a handful of classes for eight weeks and then we decided to keep the tai chi due to popular demand.”
Krejsa said the main goal was to get older adults to go to the library and the tai chi program has helped in that regard.
“I just have so much fun doing this,” Stadul said. “I get to meet fabulous people and we just have a great time.”