SUMMARY INFO
Time and Location: Every first and third Thursday at 10am in the basement fellowship hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 197 Halifax Road, Halifax, VA; For those who need to avoid stairs, there is a curving walkway on the left side of the sanctuary building for entering a side door of the fellowship hall
Cost: Optional small donation of any amount.
What to wear: Loose, comfortable clothes and shoes with flat soles or very low heels.
Length: The class is one hour, all seated in a chair
Introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRQgXIrkagQ&t=1s
Partnering with other physicians, the coursework was developed by Dr. Paul Lam who has had the chronic condition of arthritis since he was a teenager. He found relief from pain and other symptoms when practicing the slow, meditative movements of Tai Chi.
The curriculum is focused on safety, avoiding painful movements, and developing the mind/body awareness which can help many chronic conditions and injuries. The program is endorsed by many arthritis groups worldwide and numerous peer-reviewed studies have quantified the benefits.
Robertson was prompted to become a certified instructor after reading the Sentara report on community health. “In every category of physical and mental health, we rank below statewide averages,” he said. “I looked for what could be done to help. Tai Chi and Qigong—my other practice—are both great practices for physical and mental health.”
He chose an evidence-based program to make community members more aware. “Most physicians know already about the excellent, positive impact of Tai Chi,” Robertson said. “The VA, for example, has been recommending it to veterans for years. But many of us look at these slow, gentle movements and think, ‘How can this help? There’s little cardio. No sweating. No weight-lifting. This is not exercise!’ ”
People who embrace the attitude of “no pain no gain” most of their lives may find this class transforms their outlook. The entire practice is done sitting down, making it possible for people with various challenges to participate. Robertson stresses that does not mean the chair is a “lesser” practice compared to standing.
“The fact is that in several ways the seated practice is better for you,” Robertson said. “It anchors you in the chair, which helps isolate movements, providing greater concentration. Working from the chair also prompts students to develop internal awareness more quickly. That inward focus is just as important to any health practice as the physical movements.”
The class can be beneficial even for those who don’t suffer from arthritis. “Tai Chi is great for overall health, but it can be challenging to learn,” said Robertson. “This is a simplified form, so it is a great initial step for anyone new to this type of practice.”
Having moved to South Boston from Georgia in early 2022, Robertson has been teaching Qigong and Tai Chi at the South Boston YMCA for over a year. Weekly classes there are near-full and response from regular students has been gratifying. Local OB-GYN Joan Wilson commented on Facebook, “What is on my mind is how much better I feel with the regular practice of Qigong and Tai Chi for Arthritis, thanks to Ray Robertson and the Halifax Y!”
Ron Byrd is an active 91-year-old with a doctorate in Sports Sciences. “I can’t really explain it,” he said. “Can’t quite put my finger on it. But after class, I always feel better in mind, body, and spirit.”
Alice Rhett is an experienced Tai Chi practitioner who attends Qigong classes regularly as well. “Qigong helps me relax while staying focused. It significantly reduces the frequency of my breathing when I swim laps after class. I have found Ray an inspiring instructor. While he is well grounded in Qigong practice, he encourages us to practice at our own pace and feel no pressure.”
Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes without raised heels. Signing of a medical waiver is required and consulting a physician before beginning any new type of exercise is recommended. For more information or to reserve a spot, see the Contact link above.