Spotlight On: Tai Chi in the Garden

Recharge your body, mind & soul

Garvan Woodland Gardens and Oaklawn Center for Aging offer gentle, relaxing exercise.

For anyone who is stressed, needs a gentle exercise program or is just looking for a good reason to get outside, Garvan Woodland Gardens and the Oaklawn Center for Aging have teamed up to give visitors just that.

Tai chi classes are set to be taught on the Great Lawn at 1:30-2:30 p.m. every Thursday, starting Oct. 9 and going through Dec. 4. They will take Thanksgiving off.

Bob Byers, associate executive director at Garvan Woodland Gardens, said the goal of the program, along with other activities in its health series, is to get people moving.

Byers said tai chi should be done in a peaceful environment, which he believes makes the gardens an ideal location for the class.

Kathy Packard, director of education at the Oaklawn Center on Aging, will teach this low impact workout. Packard said the center focuses on educational opportunities that will make life better for older adults.

The Oaklawn Center for Aging is a program of UAMS, Reynolds Institute on Aging and the Arkansas Aging Initiative. The center is participating in the “Let's Move” program.

“You can't get a much prettier place than that for doing tai chi,” said Packard. “It is peaceful and serene.”

This will be the third time the center and the gardens have collaborated on a tai chi program.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, “Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.”

Even though tai chi's origins are in religion, the current practice focuses on the health benefits of the exercise.

The Mayo Clinic site also says Tai Chi might help participants sleep better, improve immune systems, lower cholesterol and improve join pain.

Packard said, tai chi is a great way to increase balance, decrease stress, increase flexibility and lower blood pressure. She pointed out that for many “one of the greatest fears of growing older is falling.” Packard cited a Harvard study that found tai chi decreases the risk of a fall by 50 percent.

She said tai chi is one of the best exercise programs for older adults. The low-impact movements are easier on joints and muscles. This activity is less likely to cause injuries than other programs, such as aerobics.

According to Packard, an extra benefit to this program is the chance to socialize and

learn. For those joining the class, the time at the gardens can also be used as a springboard for other educational opportunities.

Packard wants more people to just get out and enjoy the gardens. She believes it is important for everyone to get out into nature. She said if people get into nature they are more likely to appreciate it and in turn take care of it.

As with any exercises program, Packard says those who wish to try tai chi should check with their doctors to ensure they are healthy enough to participate.

In the event of bad weather, the class will be moved to the Garvan Pavilion.

While the center focuses on older adults, Packard encourages people of all ages to join in the program. For Garvan Woodland Gardens members, the class will be free. For non-members, they will still need to pay admission for the gardens. Membership information can be found at http://www.garvangardens.com. Participants can join the program at any time throughout the course.

Those interested in taking the class should dress comfortably.

“You are never too old to start an exercise program or to learn,” said Packard.

Byers said, he hopes the gardens will host tai chi on a regular basis in the future.

As part of the health series, the gardens will also host health walks through Nov. 18. Intermediate walks will be at 9 a.m. on Mondays. Those will be 3 miles. Beginner walks will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. They will be 1 mile. The same pricing applies. This exercise will be led by Sharon Turrentine and Paula Wallace. Good walking shoes are recommended.

According to Byers, planning for the spring calendar is underway. He said they intend to continue the walks. He also said they hope to work with the center on aging to bring more programs to the gardens.

Garvan Woodland Gardens will host various special events throughout the year.

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