by Jocelyn Watkin | Apr 16, 2025 | Information |
The Kia Ora Tai Chi seniors group understand about ‘use it or lose it.”
American Fitness guru Elaine LaLanne, who is still going strong at age 99, defies the oft-quoted line that loss of muscle and strength is inevitable as we age.
She says, “If you don’t move, you’ll become immovable”.
Age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength definitely exists and is known by the medical term “sarcopenia”. It’s literal meaning is ‘poverty of the flesh’, and it is a major cause of frailty amongst older adults.
It is mainly caused by the natural aging process. However, the good news is that sarcopenia is not inevitable although this will depend on your overall health, physical activity and whether you eat well.
According to University of Otago and Brain Research New Zealand neuroscientist Phil Sheard, even a modest amount of exercise is enough to stave off muscle weakness and frailty in old age. It’s definitely a case of ‘use it, or lose it’.
Can tai chi help? You betcha!
In a 2022 systemic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the conclusion was that: “Patients with frailty or sarcopenia who practiced tai chi exhibited improved physical performance in the 30-second chair stand test, the timed up and go test, number of falls and fear of falling.” Click here to Read more
While any exercise is better than no exercise, it is noted that participants in these studies did tai chi several times per week. The ‘modest amount’ of exercise suggested by the University of Otago means more than once per week. This can be a mixture of exercises, not just tai chi.
You may not be able to completely prevent sarcopenia since the condition happens as part of the natural aging process. But you can take steps to slow the progression of the disease. These include:
- Making healthy food choices: Choose a healthy diet that includes high-quality proteins.
- Exercise: Maintain a physically active lifestyle that includes regular resistance training and exercises that are weight bearing.
- Routine physicals: Visit your doctor or healthcare professional regularly and let them know about any changes in your health.
All of the Kia Ora Tai Chi instructors are approved as Community Group Strength & Balance Programme exercise providers by ACC, Age Concern and Harbour Sport. This is a key part of ACC’s programme called “Live Stronger, for Longer”, which is to reduce and prevent falls in senior adults.
Find out more:
“If you don’t move, you’ll become immovable” (Quote from Elaine LaLanne)
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jun 7, 2021 | Information |
Jocelyn teaches you from her online tai chi studio
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could learn tai chi from me without having to leave home? Totally awesome and now you can do more than just dream about it.
My new online course, called “Tai Chi for Strength, Balance and Mobility”, has received an enthusiastic thumbs up from ‘guinea pigs’ who ‘test drove’ it.
It is now available for all of you so you can learn at any time that suits you, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and anywhere you have computer, tablet or mobile phone.
This course has six modules, each designed to be comfortably completed within one week. However, you can take longer if you like. There are easy-to-read articles and how-to videos where I show you the movements step-by-step and share the secrets of tai chi. It will be like I am right there in your home with you.
I am a qualified, premier instructor for the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Find out why I can help you learn tai chi that is safe, easy-to-learn and effective: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/about-us/
The course is ideal for anyone who:
- is worried about their balance or who wants to help a family member or friend to improve their balance.
- wants to get fitter and stronger.
- needs a helping hand to manage and reduce stress.
- would love a good night’s sleep.
- is curious about tai chi and how it works for strength, balance and mobility.
- is an instructor teaching tai chi for fall prevention or strength & balance classes
One participant said of the course: “The special breathing I learned has helped me de-stress and calm down. It feels like a weight off my chest and shoulders”.
Can you imagine how blissful it would be to fall into a deep slumber almost as soon as your head hits the pillow? During this course, you’ll learn calming meditative breathing that you can use anywhere and anytime you feel stressed or worried, especially just before you go to bed. Click here if you’re looking for sweet dreams
Wouldn’t it be a relief to help a friend or family member improve their balance so you no longer worry about them having a fall and getting hurt? It sure would. Click here to help that special someone to stand tall and with good balance.
How amazing would it be if you could live stronger for longer? Totally! You’ll have access to the videos and articles for at least six months so you can regularly practice and build more strength and balance. Click here if you want to become more mobile and for years longer.
Sabine, a qualified Tai Chi for Health instructor recommends this course: Thank you Jocelyn, for a very enjoyable course. I loved the step-by-step approach and I could feel the improvement of my core strength, breathing and posture. Safety was top priority through the whole course and it was achieved with very clear and easy instructions. Overall, a wonderful experience.
All this and more with my new Tai Chi for Strength, Balance and Mobility course… and you won’t have to go out on a wintry wet night to learn it. You can participate in the privacy and warmth of your own home.
For just $99 you’ll receive:
- The full online course of six sessions, with supporting articles and how-to learning videos, which are delivered to your email inbox once per week.
- Additional resources of a practice journal and checklist.
- Access to a client portal where you can ask questions and share experiences each week.
If you want to live stronger for longer with better strength, balance and mobility, please enroll using this link: https://navigatinghealthcare.co.nz/programs/#Tai-Chi-for-Strength-Balance-Mobility
