Residents of Equinox Terrace Assisted Living Learn Tai Chi To Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

The senior residents of Equinox Terrace Assisted Living are finding a way to remain active and improve their health and well-being as they participate in the community’s tai chi program. Through the gentle movements of tai chi, the residents are able to improve their balance, strengthen their bodies, increase mobility, reduce their chances for depression and remain independent longer. The program is an example of the community’s dedication to providing activities which encourage whole-body wellness benefitting the mind, body and spirit. With the guidance of Green Mountain Tai Chi instructor Rich Marantz, residents have the opportunity to explore a new form of fitness which is both fun and challenging. The techniques taught in tai chi focus on the body, breathing awareness, proper posture and pain management. For resident Dottie Ax, the classes were particularly beneficial as she recovered from a fall which caused her to fracture her spine.

“Participating in this class has been extremely helpful,” said Ax, resident of Equinox Terrace. “The movements are gentle and fluid, making it easier for my joints build strength. When you can’t get around much, you look for ways to strengthen yourself and get going again. It’s been wonderful for my circulation and I feel refreshed after each class session.”

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition originally developed for self-defense, which is practiced today as a graceful form of exercise. Tai Chi principles are rooted in qigong (pronounced chee-gong), the heart of quality tai chi training. Participants focus on learning to understand their bodies, create new habits, develop core strength and establish a better sense of self. As a registered nurse, instructor Rich Marantz works with the residents individually to make sure they are receiving the optimum benefit from the exercise. He helps through a variety of exercises which focus on arm and upper body strength, as well as standing and kicking movements designed to improve an overall range of motion, leg strength and balance.

“I have been helping seniors for many years now,” said Marantz. “I’ve been coming to Equinox Terrace for over 10 years, and I’m always impressed by the willingness of the residents to push themselves. My goal is to make sure everyone who takes my class feels better today than they did yesterday, whatever that means for them individually. As a registered nurse I have the unique perspective of being able to help them utilize techniques and movements that are appropriate to each resident’s level of care, meeting them where they are so they are able to find the benefit in the class.”

“Rich makes sure that each of us are able to go at our own speed,” said Ax. “The exercises are gentle and calming and there’s no pressure for us to push ourselves further than our ability in the moment. It makes a world of difference having an instructor who is an RN and knows our abilities. I’m so thankful to have this program, without it I’m not sure I would be moving as well as I am after my fall.”

“We are encouraged when we see our residents pursue activities which are stimulating and positively impact their overall health,” said Ann Bouza, Equinox Terrace executive director. “By providing classes like tai chi we can give residents the tools they need to strengthen their mind, body and spirit. We hope that by our residents’ example, others will be encouraged to find purpose-filled activities which provide them with the same kinds of benefits.”