By Dallas Goodchild

The parking lot at the Taoist Tai Chi^® Centre on Catherine Street is a busy place as the HandyDART buses pull in and out, dropping people off for the Noon Health Recovery class. Inside the club volunteers set up parallel bars and put chairs in place. The class members are starting their work-out with foundation exercises called jongs. Many people are sitting, but those who can, stand. Then together they begin the 108 movements that smoothly work each joint and muscle in the body. Every person is doing their best to follow the instructor. Arthritis, stroke, car accidents, and MS may be some of the reasons why this group has special challenges. But in spite of the difficulties there is a mood of cheerful camaraderie that comes from working together.

Lynn McIvor, a James Bay resident, has been attending the classes for 2 1/2 years. “Because of the Parkinson’s symptoms I experience, I made a commitment to attend as often as possible. The instructors are phenomenal in their caring, their interest and their instruction, taking time with each individual as needed. I have seen people start their regime in a chair and then graduate to a standing position for some of the moves. It is definitely encouraging to witness that type of improvement”

For more than 25 years the Victoria Branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada has been conducting a Health Recovery Program. It operates three days a week - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. Now it is expanding to Tuesdays from 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.

"We wanted to expand the program to a time when people who work during the day can attend," says Cheryl Sivertson, one of the organization's numerous volunteer instructors. "Many people consider taking Taoist Tai Chi lessons on the recommendation of their doctor or physiotherapist due to back or knee problems. They aren't sure if they should start right into a regular beginner classes. Health Recovery classes provide an opportunity for more individualized instruction to help members adapt the movements to their particular health challenge, be it due to disability, illness, or injury." Cheryl has been teaching for more than 18 years, and like all other instructors, continues to undergo rigorous training in order to maintain her accreditation. "As instructors, we have a responsibility to our students.

Master Moy felt that instructing should be considered a privilege.” Master Moy Lin-Shin (1931-1998) founded the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada with the precept of community service and volunteerism at its core. A major objective of the Society is to make the health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi^® practice available to all.

If a person is confined to a wheelchair it is possible to do the entire set of 108 movements from a sitting position and still get tremendous benefit in improved circulation, strength and flexibility. Lynn McIvor encourages anyone with a health challenge to attend Health Recovery classes. “I started by going to both Health Recovery classes and a beginner course. Now I can’t imagine my life without tai chi,” says Lynn with a smile. “I have moved on from beginners to what we call continuing classes. I appreciate what I have accomplished. The energy of each class and the surrounding support help me to achieve more. My movements start to flow and I feel a real sense of joy.”

The Health Recovery Program can be joined at any time. The program is offered on a “by donation” basis by the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada, 865 Catherine Street, in Vic West. The Society is a non-profit registered charity. All volunteer instructors are certified and take continuous training in the form of regional and national level workshops as well as monthly instructor intensive training sessions to maintain qualifications.

Taoist Tai Chi^® taijiquan (Internationally tai chi practice is called taijiquan) beginner courses start each month and are suitable for all ages and abilities. A retired person may be looking for a way to retain strength and balance, an athlete may want to develop flexibility and coordination, or the busy student or office employee may simply want to improve fitness and reduce stress. There are special membership rates for students and seniors and in addition, those on low income can apply for dues reductions. For more information visit www.taoist.org or call (250) 383-4103.

Photos by Dallas Goodchild