Having just returned from two years of teaching English in Northeastern China’s Lioaning Province, I am familiar with the “practice” of Tai Chi. Besides the formal groups gathering in parks and rec halls, I saw individuals and small groups performing its subtle movements at bus stops, in supermarket lines and behind desks at work. Though popular in China, as a “Westerner” I wondered what it had to do with me. The movements looked overly simple and repetitive, so how could this be an effective form of exercise? Isn’t going to a traditional fitness club better for my health?

What if practicing Tai Chi could bring our lives into balance, both physically and mentally? What if it could lower stress, improve balance, increase energy and range of motion? In fact, Tai Chi does all those things and more. This ancient form of exercise is also credited with being useful in treating common diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and osteoporosis. It seems incredible that such a seemingly simple form of exercise can result in tremendous benefits to a person’s health, so it was exciting to speak to someone who has experienced the wonders of Tai Chi firsthand.

Maureen Benet is a certified “Tai Chi for Health” instructor who teaches classes in Bend. Benet’s classes are designed for people who typically don’t exercise due to limitations caused by illness or injury. The nature of her class also makes it an ideal choice, she said, for those who have never made exercise a part of their lives, and those who used to exercise but have become increasingly sedentary. Tai Chi, she said, is truly the exercise most people won’t quit.

Tai Chi is something participants find improves overall health, Benet said, emphasizing that it can be practiced by anyone, regardless of physical condition.

Benet’s inspiration comes from her own life experiences. About 10 years ago she was facing serious health problems, and dealing with having major surgery. Besides the obvious stress this put on her life, it also resulted in her losing her balance, both physically and psychologically.

She decided to try a Tai Chi for Health class.

“I remember the most life-changing part of the class was the lessening of stress as I focused on the movements and the integration of my body and mind,” recalled Benet. “So, I committed myself to taking more classes.”

Benet continued learning from her Tai Chi instructor, Jenny Sheldon, for the following four years and at her encouragement decided to pursue certification to teach as well. Upon completing the rigorous training, Benet received her certification from Dr. Paul Lam.

Tai Chi for Health is a specific Tai Chi program created by Lam, who was born in China. Lam suffered from painful arthritis, Benet explained, but after being accepted to medical school in Australia, decided to study Tai Chi and came to understand how the practice could be used to treat his own condition as well as other chronic diseases.

When Sheldon opted to pursue further training outside of the area, Benet substituted for her locally, and over the five-week session found she enjoyed leading classes.

Interested in becoming an even better instructor, Benet then continued to take as many of Sheldon’s classes as she could, focusing on learning the teaching techniques of her own teacher. Through dedication and determination, in 2013 Benet began teaching Tai Chi for Health courses for Master Chen at Oregon Tai Chi Wushu in Bend.

According to the Oregon Tai Chi Wushu website, Master Chen, who was born in China, has won numerous medals and awards for martial arts around the world, but he felt the “energy work” of Tai Chi had lost its place within his discipline. His goal in moving to the Pacific Northwest was “to bring awareness of our breath, our energy, our movements and how they affect ourselves and others so everyone can achieve balance and thus happiness and health in their lives.”

It was a goal that fit perfectly with Benet’s passion for sharing the practice of Tai Chi with others in the community.

Central Oregon is a place where those who aren’t active and fit can easily feel left out. Benet set out to bring Tai Chi to those who, for whatever reason, are unable to participate in the wide range of physically demanding activities that abound in the area.

The nature of the Tai Chi for Health program fits perfectly with Benet’s goals. While students who come to her class don’t always disclose what particular challenges they have, Benet simply states that the class is safe for people with health issues — from high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes or even respiratory issues — and is also designed to accommodate those with mobility issues.

“We have incredible success with people who have been diagnosed with MS or Parkinson’s,” said Benet. “I welcome people to this class who are in wheelchairs, use a walker or use oxygen. People can remain seated in the class and work at the level of their comfort, from the equivalent of a gentle stroll to a brisk walk.”

“I had been studying tai chi for about two-and-a-half years when I had to take a break due to hip surgery,” said Gayle Stamler, one of Benet’s regular students. “I’ve discovered Dr. Lam’s ‘Tai Chi for Health’ is an excellent bridge back to full movement. The exercises are gentle, with enough repetition of motion to work the muscles and the mind, but not so much that they are exhausting or discouraging. I find the class invigorating and affirming — a wonderful way to gain confidence and strength.”

Benet emphasized that the benefits of Tai Chi are progressive if participants stay consistent, and many of her beginning students eventually take more advanced classes or even become certified instructors themselves.

In her class, Benet focuses on stimulating meridians — those areas of the body that can improve health. For example, gently rotating the torso can help with strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine, palm stimulation can affect the endocrine system, and gentle turning can improve symptoms of osteoporosis. The repetition she builds into the sessions can improve circulation, boost the immune system, increase flexibility and improve balance.

“Tai Chi can have real life implications, especially for the elderly,” Benet said. “For example, they are able to walk on ice in the winter with far more balance and stability.”

Benet’s passion for teaching about the benefits of Tai Chi through her classes is appreciated by those at Oregon Tai Chi Wushu.

“She has a way of setting people at ease, and makes sure her students are comfortable and feel confident,” Chen said. “She is always learning more ways to make this art accessible to everyone so they can enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi.”

Benet’s next Tai Chi for Health class will begin on Monday, Oct. 17. As an introductory class, this is the perfect opportunity, Benet stressed, for new people to begin.

“Even though my classes are ongoing and anyone can join at any time, this is a ‘starting over’ opportunity,’” she explained, adding that with an introductory class participants will gain more confidence and find it is an easier place to start than jumping in later on.

The 60 minute sessions run from 9 to 10 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at Oregon Tai Chi Wushu, 1350 SE Reed Market Road, Suite 102.

For information, call 541-639-8898 or email oregontaichi@gmail.com.