Tai chi class aids balance, health

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Jul 06, 20170

An ancient Chinese martial art form is now helping people in Whitman County with balance and reducing arthritis. Bonnie Kirkpatrick is midway through her second session leading Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention classes.

“It’s highly researched and evidence-based,” said Kirkpatrick, who is an occupational therapist in the Therapy Services at Whitman Hospital and Medical Center.

As an occupational therapist, Kirkpatrick helps people perform the daily tasks that “occupy” their time. Kirkpatrick sought training in this program to be able to offer it in Whitman County. It is endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation and recommended by the CDC.

In the classes, Kirkpatrick takes participants through various movements, called “forms”. The forms are low impact, slow and steady.

“It’s also beneficial because we go in all directions, improving balance,” Kirkpatrick noted.

Tai chi incorporates moves and principles that promote better balance, which reduces the risk of falls. A lot of the forms deal with weight transfer. Proper weight transfer can help a person walk better and more efficiently or reach safely. Participants in the class have commented to her how they didn’t realize they had problem areas of balance and weight transfer until doing the Tai chi forms.

“It makes you more aware of what you’re doing,” she said.

Kirkpatrick is able to adjust the class and forms for people’s different abilities. The only criteria is the person has to be able to move on their own, even if it is with a walker. Forms can be for sitting or standing. Her oldest participant so far was 92 years old.

“It’s not competitive. You need to work within your own body,” she noted.

“We know with arthritis, movement is the best thing your body can do,” she said. Tai chi movements are low impact, moving in a safe, slow manner, using every part of your body to move without undue stress on the joints.

Kirkpatrick became interested in the program after her mother became involved in it. Kirkpatrick recalled her mom was looking for an exercise that was social, non-competitive and not in a gym. She went to Tai chi and loved it. Kirkpatrick thought that if it appealed to her mom, it was worth looking into. She received the training and thought it was great. In addition to strengthening the core, movement and balance aspects, she finds doing Tai chi improves her breathing. Others have told her they don’t have to try and clear their minds, it comes naturally while doing the forms. They find areas they do need to focus on in their movements with an increased awareness of core and stability.

The first session of classes began last year, sponsored by WHMC.

“They’ve really been supportive of having different sessions through the year,” Kirkpatrick said.

Classes are Tuesdays at Hill Ray Plaza in Colfax and Wednesdays at Moments Salon and Spa in St. John. The classes extend for eight weeks total. Cost is $3 per session of $20 for all eight weeks.

Although half-way through the summer sessions, anyone interested in getting a free taste is invited to The Center at the Colfax library July 20 and 27 at 9:30 a.m. for an intro to Tai chi taught by Kirkpatrick. She said participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Another session of the program is expected to begin in October. For more information, contact therapy service. 397-5733.