Drayson Center Presents New T’ai Chi Classes

The Drayson Center in Loma Linda has started offering new t’ai chi classes from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday night. Class fees are $65 for members and $70 for non-members. T’ai chi is low-impact and low-intensity yet still aerobic, equivalent to waking three miles in an hour. Suitable for all ages, this class improves balance, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and increases aerobic capacity especially in seniors. The average age of students is approximately 50 years old. Originally from China, t’ai chi ch’uan (supreme ultimate fist), the topic of this class, has roots in Chinese medicine and is believed to balance the energy flow of the body. Instructor Harvey Kurland explained that there are even more benefits to t’ai chi: the immune system becomes stronger, blood circulation and coordination is improved, and it helps keep the brain from aging. It is also the absolute best exercise for balance, with students showing a 200–300 percent improvement in as little as 8 weeks, according to Kurland, who recommends taking at least 20 sessions for maximum benefit. He added that t’ai chi is especially recommended for people with Parkinson’s, MS, arthritis, and diabetes. He noted that for diabetics, A1C levels decreased. Although classes are ending in July due to the end of the quarter, classes should be starting again around the second week in August. For more information, contact the Drayson Center at 909-558-4275, or visit www.llu.edu/llu/drayson.