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Libraries Offer Tai Chi Classes

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By CHERYL BENTLEY, The Suncoast News

Published: September 12, 2007

WHAT: Starting Thursday, a free, four-week series of tai chi classes at New Port Richey Public Library; on Oct. 4, six weeks of free classes at Hudson Regional Library.

WHO: Ro Del Bene of Trinity, who also teaches tai chi at New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center. Of the many schools of tai chi, she practices Taoist, which concentrates on promoting good health. It was brought to North America in 1970 by Taoist monk Master Moy Lin-shin.

Del Bene is certified to teach tai chi by the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA and is the group's only instructor in Pasco County. The area branch is headquartered in Clearwater.

WHAT IS IT? 'Tai chi (pronounced ti-CHE) is sometimes described as 'meditation in motion.' Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, this graceful form of exercise has existed for about 2,000 years. It's becoming increasingly popular around the world, both as a basic exercise program and as a complement to other health care methods,' according to the Mayo Clinic's Web site.

'Tai chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise. To do tai chi, you perform a defined series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each movement or posture flows into the next without pausing.'

Other styles of tai chi include Chen, Hao, Sun, Wu, Yang and Zhao Bao, which vary somewhat in intensity.

BENEFITS: Tai chi is used to reduce stress; improve muscle strength and definition; and increase flexibility, energy, stamina, agility and feelings of well-being, the Mayo Clinic site says.

The gentle martial art also may slow bone loss in post-menopausal women, reduce high blood pressure, improve cardiovascular conditions, relieve chronic pain and improve sleep quality, balance and coordination, the site says.

TESTIMONIAL: When she began studying with Del Bene about four years ago, LaVerne Chenault of Trinity used a walker because of stroke-induced damage on her right side. Sixth months later, she set aside the walker for good.

'The movement and exercise in tai chi are exactly what I needed to move my leg and arm,' she says. 'Anyone that meets me now doesn't know I had a stroke.'

Those movements emphasize the proper alignment of the spine, a concept with which Chenault is familiar because her late husband, Thomas, was a chiropractor.

Another Del Bene student, Maria Hanna of Trinity, touts tai chi's effectiveness in helping her develop peace of mind.

'You find you're using your mind and body as one. You're not distracted by life. You're into the moment. That's an interesting experience for those of us with scattered thinking,' she says.

DISCLAIMER: 'Although tai chi is generally safe,' the Mayo Clinic says, 'consider talking with your doctor before starting a new program. This is particularly true if you have any problems with your joints, spine or heart.'

MAKING THEIR MOVE: Taoist tai chi consists of 108 movements. Anyone can do them, but it takes at least a year to become comfortable with them.

'There is continuous movement of hands and feet. You're turning and balancing and stretching. The main focus is on spinal movement. In tai chi, you're opening the spine,' Del Bene explains.

That's especially important for seniors, because the spine compresses with age, she notes.

Learning the movements and properly aligning the body take 'intense concentration,' she says. 'It's excellent for the brain. You're constantly learning something.'

UNBLOCK YOUR CHI: The Chinese see illness as a blockage of chi, a kind of vital force than runs through the body.

'It's like plugging in an electrical outlet,' Del Bene said. 'If there's a short, we don't get the electricity.'

Instead of treating symptoms of illness, Chinese health practitioners work on correcting the restricted chi flow.

ABOUT THE CLASSES: Sessions at New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., run from Thursday through Oct. 4. Call (727) 853-1265.

Classes at New Port Richey Aquatics and Recreation Center, 6630 Van Buren St., are from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Monthly fee is $30, which covers one class a week. For details, call (727) 841-4563.

Lessons at the Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, are from 10:30 a.m. to noon starting Oct. 4. Call (727) 861-3040.

FOR MORE ON TAI CHI: Call Del Bene at (727) 376-7448. Or check out numerous Web sites including the following:

•clearwater.florida.usa .taoist.org

• www.chebucto.ns.ca/ Philosophy/Taichi;

• www.mayoclinic.com;

• www.worldtaichiday.org;

• www.webmd.com;

• www.medicinenet.com;

• www.everyday-taichi.com;

• www.easytaichi.com;

•skepdic.com/chi.html;

•ask.com;

•positivehealth.com.

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