24 September, 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Wednesday Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that was originally developed for self-defense. It has evolved and is now practiced as a graceful form of exercise involving a series of movements performed in a deliberate, slow, and focused manner with mindful deep breathing.

It is a self-paced system of gentle exercise and stretching, with each posture flowing into the next without pause. It is also described as “meditation in motion”, promoting inner serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Harvard Health Publishing writes that it might as well be called “medication in motion” due to growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing health problems.

The best thing perhaps is that anyone can start Tai Chi even without being in shape or in the best of health, as even those recovering from surgery or confined to wheelchairs can adapt Tai Chi movements which are “usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched.

”Tai Chi is also practiced for stress reduction, and is seen to “help maintain strength, flexibility and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life”.

Instructor's Profile

Stella Unson

Stella is currently a part-time faculty of the Loyola Schools Physical Education Program and a Certified Associate Acupuncturist. She learned Tai Chi in 1992 under Li Jun Feng who introduced her to the Wushu Federation Philippines, and represented the country in international competitions. Stella has given classes in ADB in the past through the ADB Yoga and Tai Chi Club and was also a consultant at The Farm in Lipa, Batangas.