tai chi for health
The Tai Chi for Health program, was created by Dr. Paul Lam, a western trained physician from Sydney, Australia. It was created by a team of medical professionals: a rheumatologist, a family practice physician, a physical therapist and other tai chi practitioners.
Dr. Lam had arthritis since childhood and being Chinese knew the value of tai chi for people with arthritis. His study of tai chi began in medical school. When he became a family practice doctor, he wanted to refer his patients to tai chi classes, but quickly realized that most traditional long forms were too challenging for patients with chronic conditions and so he decided to create a shorter routine containing tai chi movements that are gentle on a person’s joints and would be an effective introduction to tai chi for anyone. And so, the team set about to create the Tai Chi for Health program. Each warm-up, cool-down and movement in the program had to be approved by every member of the medical team. This gives credibility to the program as a rehab strategy.
Tai Chi classes will now be offered online through Zoom on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. starting June 15. Zoom is an easy-to-use way to access group meetings online. If you do not already have Zoom on your computer or tablet, such as an iPad. You can download the free Zoom program from the App Store or sign up on the internet at the address: Zoom.us
Please register for each class at least 24 hours ahead by emailing the teacher, Joanne Marshall, at marshall@ils.unc.edu. Joanne will send an email invitation to registrants containing a link to join the class on the evening before the class. A signed liability waiver is required for all participants. If you have any questions you can email Joanne or call or text her at (919) 280-8311. Everyone is welcome including newcomers. The first class for newcomers is free. After that, you can buy a 5-class pass for $45 by contacting the Advance Physical Therapy office at (919) 932-7266. If you already have a pass, you can use it up before buying a new pass from the office.
*During the COVID 19 pandemic, ZOOM classes are open to all who wish to participate without charge. There is a suggested donation of 9.00 per class.
Discover tai chi’s benefits for yourself. Begin your lifelong journey with tai chi today.
postural restoration style pilates
Pilates is a core workout aimed at targeting the core Transverse Abdominis muscle. The Transverse Abdominis is the deepest of the four abdominal muscles. When active, this muscle supports the spine and shrinks the waist line.
Pilates-Postural Restoration Style is the only form of Pilates available today incorporating the principles of the Postural Restoration institute with a profound appreciation for the role of the respiratory diaphragm in core strength. The Transverse Abdominis muscle contracts maximally when the respiratory diaphragm is placed in a domed position upon full exhalation. Using the respiratory diaphragm and Transverse Abdominis in tandem in the Pilates-Postural Restoration style at Advance Physical Therapy, students in the class attain success quickly. Using the respiratory diaphragm and Transverse Abdominis during core strengthening is essential to fast and effective core strength gains. The attention paid to the respiratory diaphragm, unique to Postural Restoration style Pilates, further helps participants practice and acquire healthy, synchronous, diaphragmatic breathing patterns. The combination of healthy breathing in conjunction with core strengthening means Pilates-Postural Restoration Style classes not only allow participants to become more fit, but also attain a sense of well-being, increasing energy and stamina.
All Pilates classes are offered with a range of exercise options for Pilates beginners, those new to Postural Restoration, and/or deconditioned individuals to those who have had some experience with Pilates and/or have done some Postural Restoration and/or are regular exercisers and feel somewhat fit. We are now offering remote ZOOM Pilates!!
walking biomechanics
Walk effortlessly and injury-free by learning how to walk biomechanically.
Walking is one of the most fundamental means of mobility available to us. Faulty walking patterns can produce tremendous amounts of repetitive strain on the walker. Healthy patterns of walking, however, have far reaching benefits on the walker, allowing the major joints and core muscles of the body to maintain strength, endurance and balance into old age, almost like a “self winding watch”! Biomechanically efficient walking involves activation from the core muscles, while essentially relaxing the rest of the body. This, combined with engaging gravity, can make walking effortless and pain-free. This is the essence of efficient walking – relax and let your body do what it was built to do, walk faster and easier and leave injuries behind.
Since walking is such a basic, every day movement, when one’s walking form is improved, the benefits are far-reaching.
Class Format: Participants will be guided through many exercises and drills designed to leave them with a clear sense of what efficient walking feels like to the body. Time in the workshop is spent alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills…the nature of the workshop is relaxed and fun. Walking distances and duration can be tailored to the participant, so no matter what condition you are in, have no fear!
The workshop will be held outside, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Please bring snacks and water, if needed.
running biomechanics
Run as you were born to run – injury-free and effortlessly.
Runners often get injured because of being tense, running upright, and leading with their legs. Biomechanically efficient running accomplishes injury prevention and energy efficiency by teaching you how to run aligned, to relax your body, to use your core, and lean to allow gravity to pull you forward. This is the essence of efficient running – relax and let your body do what it was built to do, leave stress, strain, and injury behind.
In this workshop, you will learn the basic components of biomechanically efficient running. The workshop is a small group format, so you will get lots of personal attention. The workshop will provide you with a rich learning experience packed with good information to help you run injury-free for the rest of your life.
Class Format: Participants will be guided through many exercises and drills designed to leave them with a clear sense of what efficient running feels like to the body. There will not, actually, be a lot of running – contrary to what you might imagine. So no matter what condition you are in, have no fear! Time will be spent alternating between demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills…the nature of the workshop will be relaxed and fun.
The workshop will be held outside, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Please bring snacks and water, if needed.
