Tai Chi
@Kouponkaren (5503)
United States
February 24, 2022 11:48am CST
I am working on helping my bone density and balance since I found out I am in the osteopenia range for bone density. I am working with a trainer and doing workouts on the equipment at the gym and started a Tai Chi class on Monday night. It meets 2 times a week and you pay $10 for the 2 classes. You pay week to week which is nice.
I didn't really like it. I have heard both yoga and Tai Chi are good for balance but since I have osteopenia in my spine, and there are a lot of poses that involve my spine in yoga, I decided to try Tai Chi.
I will go back to the 2nd class tomorrow since I have already paid for it, but I have also found a "Tai Chi in 5 minutes" class online that I tried and liked. There are 5 modules, and each is 5 minutes. I think I will try that for a while and see how that works for me. I did the first one today and I really liked it.
I am not going to put a link here because it's on Youtube and she may have it monetized. But if you're interested in an exercise for balance and breathing, check her out under Tai Chi in 5 Minutes a Day by Leia Cohen.
Do you practice Tai Chi or have you ever tried it?
10 people like this
9 responses
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
26 Feb 22
@Kouponkaren that’s great that you did. Is osteoporosis hereditary?
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@sol_cee I don't know what they do in the Philippines, but in the US they have women get a bone density test done once they turn 65 and keep track of it. It is to see if they have osteoporosis BEFORE they end up with it! I am on a medication that makes my bones grow weaker. I have to be on it for 3 more years so I need to keep building them up.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
26 Feb 22
@sol_cee My insurance is more expensive than if I pay for it myself. The hospital I use gives me a 75% discount if I do self-pay. It cost me $225 but it's well worth it if I can find out that I need to do something about my bones getting weaker. Which I did do.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (50979)
• Canada
25 Feb 22
This is really good information for me.
I think that I will look up that video.
I was diagnosed with severe osteo in my spine and left hip at the age of 38 and have given up so many things that I used to do because I have such a fear of falling. The doctor advised me that I did not have to fall to shatter my hip or spine, just a strong jolt would do it. Thankfully that has not occurred, but it isn't getting any better. I take calcium and vitamin D but I also will be on the medication that brought it on until I die, so I am not surprised.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (50979)
• Canada
26 Feb 22
@Kouponkaren I do walk alot, except for during the winter when it is simply too dangerous due to the ice and snow. I considered getting a pair of hiking sticks also, but that is as far as I got on that, I haven't purchased or tried any at all.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
1 Mar 22
@Juliaacv Well, join the club. I haven't ordered them either!
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
26 Feb 22
@Juliaacv Oh no, I am so sorry about your having to be on that medication for the rest of your life. I don't like the group class, but I do like the online woman that does the videos on Youtube. Do you do any weight bearing exercises? Walking and dancing are 2 of the best. I am planning on getting some hiking sticks because my trainer says they provide a good workout for arms and chest, which will help build those muscles and bones, as well as the walking I do with them will be weight-bearing exercise and good for my legs, hips and spine.
1 person likes this
@kareng (59206)
• United States
26 Feb 22
@Kouponkaren No, the girl did not get booted. She was a paying customer and he ruled that I was disturbing his class. Oh well.
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@kareng Oh no, that's awful. Did that girl get booted out of the class as well? Why couldn't your husband teach you?
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180805)
• United States
24 Feb 22
I tried it, had problems getting to the class though. It didn't last long. It is likely good for stress reduction too.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@snowy22315 Yes, I think I will have problems with that also. Monday nights are just not good because I enjoy being at home with my husband at night. I am thinking the stress reduction will also be a perk, as I have already felt it working when I did an online class this morning.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180805)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@Kouponkaren Maybe sticking with the online thing will be the best.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
26 Feb 22
@snowy22315 I think so too, especially after I did the 2nd class this morning.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154131)
• Canada
25 Feb 22
@Kouponkaren , I am not too much of a group person myself.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@marlina Yes, I have seen that too. I think part of my problem is that I am not really a "group person" so I prefer to do things one on one rather than in a class setting. I am a klutz but I don't want everyone in the group to know that!
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@wolfgirl569 I did a 5-minute class today and enjoyed it (online). I also found myself breathing in deeply throughout the day, which is a good thing because it is supposed to help one relax.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89873)
• Arvada, Colorado
24 Feb 22
I havent been doing any recently, but I do like Tai Chi.
To me, it is easier than yoga.
I am glad you are doing it..good luck with it.
Yes there are a few videos on YouTube as well.
I found it relaxing too.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@RebeccaFarm I think I am going to be doing the online versions, although I will go back tomorrow and get my money's worth. I think there will be fewer student's there tomorrow so I won't feel so self-conscious.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
@Kandae11 I have never heard of that movie. Was it good? I drink Chai tea, but I think that is different.
@healerWitch (417)
• Portugal
24 Feb 22
I had a chronic lower back pain (it involved the psoas) that involved severe sudden spasms that during their onset, got me temporarily paralysed as well, and even after having full scans and physiotherapy, it hasn't helped at all.
Specific yoga poses have now fixed the issue and I highly recommend it for not just flexibility, but also for balance and strengthening of your spine, core and the rest of your body. I also strength train with calisthenics (no weight lifting as I'm going through my 2nd organ prolapse) so that helps strengthen my core and hip flexors as well.
When I had my hysterectomy, I read that I was also at risk for osteoporosis (among other things), so I now eat accordingly and workout accordingly. The added muscle mass helps immensely in keeping my risks for osteoporosis and insulin resistance / diabetes low.
I've never tried Tai Chi, but if you find it hasn't helped much, then I definitely recommend yoga and light strength training, preferably with trainer supervision.
@Kouponkaren (5503)
• United States
25 Feb 22
I am doing strength training. And I think I also have an organ prolapse...not fun.
