Southington Native Offers Eastern Exercise Technique

An eastern form of exercise called Tai Chi has become increasingly popular on the local front, with lessons offered to the public again this Spring.

Instructor Jennifer Wade said Tai Chi consists of slow, fluid martial arts style movements combined with meditation and breathing techniques, bringing mental calmness and clarity and other physical benefits.

"It just puts you in a different state of mine, and really rejuvenates you," Wade said.

Wade is an exercise instructor at the Orchards, as well as a personal trainer and certified yoga and Tai Chi instructor. Teaching for past three years, she's seen a mix of people, young and old, take advantage of the non-traditional, but increasingly trendy style of exercise.

"People have said they really love it, they say they feel like a different person at the end of a class," Wade said. "Tai Chi literally means 'energy,' and when your'e doing the movements it allows the good energy to flow through your body."

"Tai chi has been instrumental in helping me reach the harmony within," Wade's student, Rosa Chyan said. "A lot of stress built up during the week is lifted while I move through Tai Chi forms and breathing in rhythm."

Researchers have found that intensive Tai Chi practice promotes balance control, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and has shown to reduce the risk of falls in both healthy elderly patients, staff at the Orchards said.

It can also help those recovering from chronic stroke, heart attacks and many other conditions. Tai Chi's gentle, low impact movements burn more calories than surfing and nearly as many as downhill skiing.

A strong believer that well being consists of the physical, social and emotional health, Wade said she loves being able to help people achieve a better quality of life through her exercise programs, as well as through her job at the Orchards.

On average, Wade sees about 70 Orchards residents daily at her exercise classes where she offers peronsal workout programs and helps the seniors achieve their fitness goals.

With a degree in physical education, Wade found the Orchards job when she was job hunting for gym teacher positions. But the fit seemed perfect.

"I love do two things, teach, and help people, so I love doing this, and I feel like I'm really giving back," Wade said.

The Tai Chi series, including advanced and beginners classes, begins April 16 at The Orchards, running every other Saturday for six weeks. For more information or to register, contact Wade at (860)628-5656 x 140.