‘How can I keep fit and healthy in lockdown?’ The government has advised a daily one hour walk outside and to keep active and moving in the house but what if you are one of those vulnerable people who must remain isolated in your own home? What more can you do?

Fortunately, there is Tai Chi which is an excellent form of exercise because it is performed in standing (although it can be adapted for the seated position) and strengthens the whole body, especially the back and legs.  It has been proven to improve balance and reduce the risk and rate of falls. Tai Chi is also known as ‘movement meditation’ and is a mindfulness form of exercise so it is extremely useful in reducing anxiety and stress in these challenging times. The exercises are very safe as they do not involve stretching and are performed very slowly so it is almost impossible to strain a joint or muscle.  Tai Chi is also very enjoyable as we perform many of the movements in our daily life, such as the ‘Waterfall’ exercise which is like placing a towel on the beach or ‘Turtle swims in the ocean’ which is like swimming the breast stroke.

How can you access these exercises? Check out my YouTube channel ‘tai chi by ros’ for ~10minute clear, instructional videos and exercise sequences in sitting and standing. There are also videos of my West Cumbria branch of Parkinson’s UK performing some of the exercises and some sequences filmed on Sale Fell in the beautiful Lake District. For those who prefer I have included three written sheets of warm up, seated and standing Tai Chi Exercises in the document section of my website.

Have fun while you learn a new skill and keep fit and healthy with Tai Chi Exercises!