Tai Chi is often described as one of the most effective forms of exercise for a healthy mind and body.
Those are precisely the reasons retired teacher Patsy Zeidman, of Calhoun City, sought out the ancient Chinese philosophy nearly 25 years ago.
“I was teaching at Northwest Rankin at the time (in the 1990s) when I saw it on TV and decided to try it,” Zeidman said. “When you’re sitting at a desk a lot, exercise is limited. I wanted something that would help me loosen up.”
She started practicing the routines with the television show, then progressed to buying some VHS tapes and in recent years DVDs.
The essential principles of Tai Chi involve connecting mind and body through slow, controlled movements and breathing. It‘s intent is to generate an internal energy and balance that cultivates a harmony of the inner and outer self.
“It uses all of your body and in a way that it doesn’t stretch or push you,” Zeidman said. “It gently uses all your muscles.”
Tai Chi originated as a martial art, but became more known for its overall health benefits.
“I’ve been doing it off and on for a long time,” Zeidman said. “I do it because I feel it helps every part of your body. I frequently use it as a warm up before doing something else.”
It’s part of a daily routine for Zeidman at home, but when Sister Judy Sinnwell began offering Tai Chi classes at Excel on the Calhoun City Square, Zeidman joined those as well.
Sister Judy has since retired, but Zeidman has kept the public sessions going at the Calhoun City Library.
“Sister Judy led the group. I don’t feel I’m good enough to lead the group,” Zeidman said. “I feel like they need to see someone who is truly a master in it, so I use the DVDs I have and do it with them.”
“I decided to offer it at the library because it’s so helpful to those that participate, especially with balance issues and anybody that can’t do a lot of physical exercise,” she said. “I have someone who comes that has a lot of back problems and she can do this because the movements are very slow and smooth.”
The sessions typically last 40 minutes to an hour but can be tailored to the indivdual.
Zeidman, 68, explained the key to Tai Chi is the slow, controlled movements that can dramatically improve balance, focus and strength.
“You’re going to wobble and not be fluid with every movement right away, because while it’s very slow, it’s not easy,” she explained.
“It’s the constrained motion that by keeping it slow, smooth and fluid, you’re building strength and flexibility,” Zeidman said. “I don’t even break a sweat doing it, but I feel the benefits.”
Don’t misunderstand, however. Zeidman is not opposed to sweat-producing workouts. She has been an avid tennis player for years and joined a weekly kickboxing class this past summer with instructors Whitney White and Christa Davis at the American Legion in Calhoun City.
“That’s a class where you are going to break a sweat. It’s a lot of fun,” Zeidman said. “I wouldn’t have been interested in that without having done Tai Chi. Tai Chi gives you that grounding and frees you to move different parts of your body. That gives me more confidence in the kickboxing class.”
It’s also paid dividends with her tennis game.
“It has really helped with my serve,” Zeidman said. “Tai Chi is all about one motion and balance. I was never an athlete as a child, so I didn’t get any of that training. I think Tai Chi has really helped with all of that.”
“It’s been very beneficial to me in so many ways. I think most would find enjoyment in it if they gave it a chance,” Zeidman said.
The sessions are held at the Calhoun City Public Library at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no charge.
“We have mostly women right now, but it’s open for anybody,” she said.
For more info, contact Zeidman at 662-628-1378 or the Calhoun City Public Library at 662-628-6331.