SUMMARY INFO
Time and Location: Every second and fourth Wednesday, 2:30pm at TJM Community Center, 1011 Cluster Springs Road, South Boston, VA. Enter at the front and turn right. The classroom door is at the end of the first hallway. No stairs are involved.
Cost: Free with an 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 approximately one hour.
Precaution: Although there are chairs for all students, a special table is in the back if students experience hypoglycemia or any other issues and need a break. Please bring your own snacks in case of this.
Introductory video (showing standing practice, not seated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASlJ_ci_G5Y
I had a desire to share more of Qigong and Tai Chi beyond the towns of South Boston and Halifax. With that in mind, I’m pleased to be offering my first Tai Chi for Diabetes class at the wonderful TJM Community Center.
TJM is on the south side of the Dan River in the former Cluster Springs Elementary School. Driving by it so many times, I assumed this was a government-sponsored community center. I was wrong. In 2019, Mr. Dale Miller took ownership of the building and began offering a wide range of services to the area with his son Brad working as operator.
Photo courtesy of Betty Majors
As quoted in this article, Dale said, “I want to provide a support center to residents on this side of the Dan River, which is very rural, and I want to provide a place where residents can utilize technology and resources for their everyday needs. And lastly, this is my hometown; I want to give back to [it].”
The center is named in honor of Dale’s son, Tarshish Jermaine Miller, who died at an early age. I could not be more pleased with being a part of this mission with the Millers along with Betty Majors and others members of the organization.
Tai Chi for Diabetes is another evidence-based program created by Dr. Paul Lam in partnership with healthcare professionals. While the video above shows the standing practice, for the first few classes we will all be working from the chair. “Stay in the chair to become more aware” is what I tell students because I learned early on that remaining seated improves internal focus. After a few classes, I will show the standing practice, but students who want to can remain seated.
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 diabetes groups worldwide and numerous peer-reviewed studies have quantified the benefits.
People who embrace the attitude of “no pain no gain” most of their lives may find this class transforms their outlook. It can be beneficial even for those who don’t suffer from diabetes. Tai Chi is great for overall health, but it can be challenging to learn. This is a simplified form, so it is a great initial step for anyone new to this type of practice.
Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes without raised heels. Brings snacks if hypoglycemia is a possibility. Signing of a medical waiver is required and consulting a physician before beginning any new type of exercise is recommended. No reservation is required, and you can join and begin participating any Thursday.