Susan DeColaines, Arthritis Foundation & TCH Certified Tai Chi instructor, left, leads one of her students, Eleanor Gallo, in a Tai Chi class at the Saugus Senior Center recently. (Item Photo / Owen O'Rourke)

 

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SAUGUS — The Saugus Senior Center was the epitome of relaxation last week.

Susan DeColaines of the Arthritis Foundation led nine seniors in a weekly Tai Chi class as heavy rains fell outside and calming violin music played on a small CD player.

DeColaines, who has been teaching Tai Chi for four years, said the slow, deliberate movements of this ancient martial art are perfectly suited for senior citizens because it helps improve balance, while strengthening muscles and lubricating joints.

“It helps tremendously with balance which I emphasize … for the winter,” said DeColaines. “You’re learning about transferring weight, which helps with falls. I always give them extra balance exercises like standing on one foot. It really is a happy feeling. People report they feel better.”

DeColaines explained the term “Chi” as one’s life force, and said any sickness is viewed as a blockage in your chi. The term “Tai” means an exercise a person has to put effort into, said DeColaines.

DeColaines said seniors can avoid falls by using the Tai Chi walking method, which is a slow, heel-to-toe step.

“I was in Europe for three weeks with all of these cobblestones and I never stubbed my toe once,” said DeColaines.

DeColaines said she first became interested in Tai Chi because of her own health problems.

“I first started for my own knees,” said DeColaines. “My knees are sore with arthritis. I had heard about it so I went and took the training in Rhode Island and I just love it.”

Eleanor Gallo has been taking DeColaines’ class for two months and said she does it for the balance.

“It helps,” said Gallo. “I can’t explain it to you. It’s just the slow movements. I’m surprised how much I remember from the first class … I have ostheoarthritis … I’ve got it all and it relieves the pain. It puts you in a very relaxed mood.”

DeColaines started the class with what she calls centering and relaxation exercises, then took the class through a series of moves such as “parting the wild horses main” and “brush knee left.”

“Tai Chi is very subtle and gentle moves,” she told the class as she led them through the exercises. “Doing it just five minutes a day you can limber up and have less pain.”

Virginia Mogavero’s attended her first class last week.

“I’m thinking I may come back,” said Mogavero. “I don’t come here very often, because I have so much other work. We’ve all become such busy senior citizens. I don’t come here as often as I should. I like the idea and I like being relaxed. Even a couple of minutes can do a lot of good.”

Beverly Thompson is a friend of DeColaines, and said she’s been taking her class to get away from her “fast-paced” life.

“I’ve been with her since she first hatched the idea,” said Thompson. “I do a lot of aerobics and strength training and this is nice to kind of slow down.”

DeColaines teaches Tai Chi classes all around the North Shore, and said she’s seen a growing interest in it, especially from seniors.

“I think the seniors are open to something that’s natural and holistic,” said DeColaines. “I charge $3 per class, which is a lot cheaper than prescriptions.”

DeColaines will be teaching her class every Thursday at 1:15 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center for the next five weeks.

Matt Tempesta can be reached at mtempesta@itemlive.com.

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