Current Article ∙ Archive ∙ Back to Island Voices
Healthy Backs
The number two reason people miss work in North America is lower back pain. Back pain HURTS, and it is becoming an epidemic in our countries. But there is good news – in so many cases it can be prevented using proper tai chi principles.
One of the main reasons we have weak spines is the failure to move the vertebrae in ALL directions. Sure – we bend forward and back, but more often than not we miss the third dimension – rotation.
Tai chi practice is supposed to be “back healthy”, but in too many cases teachers fail to show students how to maximize spinal rotation, hence benefits are lost. I feel that these principles are vitally important and teach them in almost every class.
Imagine having a core that is actually … SUPPLE! Think about it – how often do you actually twist your core? More often than not, we saunter around with a lifeless torso, lumbering from spot to spot. If you pay close attention to the way we teach on the Tai Chi for Busy People DVD and Exercises 3 and 4 on the 4 Minute Fitness DVD – you will feel a delightful core rotation. And the Easy Tai Chi CORE DVD… well – the name says it all.
At this point, I often hear this from students. “I’ll never get flexible – my back is too stiff. It’s just too late”. My response – “if you do nothing, it will only get stiffer, and stiffer, and stiffer”. Here is a more proactive way to think about your progress. Really visualize about this. If you gain just 1/16 of an inch of flexibility a week (1/16 of an inch is minuscule), in just 16 short weeks you will be one inch more flexible. In under a year, you will be THREE INCHES MORE FLEXIBLE! WOW! Step by step by simple step.
Daily practice is so important. Just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference and help you move toward a healthier back!
Of course – follow all your standard “back protection” principles. Many of you are on “an edge” this very moment with your backs, so be very careful. You may need to wait until your back feels better before starting any exercise program. Follow any advice that you have been given by your doctor, chiropractor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Really…
For more information, please contact
Dr. Keith Jeffery at:
1836 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay, B.C. V9P 9C7
Toll free – (866) 682-4244 after 9 am Pacific
Tel (250) 468-9950
fax (250) 468-9910
E-mail: keith@EasyTaiChi.com