Classes at Union Square

As of May, I began a new series of qigong classes with an introduction to classical taijiquan at Anahid Sofian's beautiful, spacious studio just a block away from Union Square. This is an extension of classes begun at Inwood Movement uptown this January. 

The class is open to all. It is great for improving overall health, balance, suppleness, core strength and relaxation.

An interesting article on fall prevention in the NYTimes sites that Taiji is beneficial for older adults in fall prevention:

"Tai chi, the Chinese martial art, appears to be an effective way to improve balance. It involves very slow, purposeful movements in coordination with breathing and muscle activity.

A study published last year found that among adults over 70 who practiced tai chi twice a week for an hour, the incidence of falls was reduced by 58 percent. Dr. Eckstrom, one of the study’s authors, said the participants in the study did tai chi twice a week for an hour over a six-month period.
'When you fall, your body has not figured out how to stay posturally stable, and tai chi helps with that,' Dr. Eckstrom said. 'With a lot of the classic tai chi moves, you make a fairly large step out, or to the side. Or you lean forward, with your trunk. You’re putting yourself in a position of almost falling.' All of this, she added, trains the body to remain stable when put in an off-kilter position.
The CDC maintains a compendium of recommended exercises that includes tai chi."