Up Close and Personal with Dr. Russ Smiley - Tai Chi Phenomenon
Russ Smiley, Ph.D., is the creator of Normandale's Internal Healing Arts program, and one of only 11 Master Trainers for the Tai Chi for Arthritis Program in the United States.
Q: What is your background and position at Normandale Community College (NCC)?
A: I began my higher education teaching career 30 years ago after receiving a Ph.D. in Health Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I've taught at NCC for the past 20 years. My interest in Tai Chi Ch'uan, which began in 1978, gave me the opportunity to study with two renowned Tai Chi teachers: Fong Ha and Dr. Paul Lam.
Q: What was your role in developing the Internal Healing Arts Program at NCC?
A: Ive been very fortunate to have wonderful friends and colleagues at NCC, who recognized my passion for Tai Chi and the healing arts. With their support and encouragement, and that of several college deans and interested community members, we developed a mission statement and goals for the Internal Healing Arts Program. We've come a long way from the single Tai Chi class we offered in the early 1990's, and NCC now offers a comprehensive range of health and wellness classes.
Q: What is your teaching philosophy and style?
A: Over the years, my approach to teaching has evolved and become more student-centered. My teaching philosophy is that learning should not only be challenging and motivating to students, but it should also be fun! I believe that it is important to not only examine relevant issues and evidenced-based research in course content, but also to provide a safe and supportive classroom environment where students can explore new ideas - both cognitively and experientially.
Q: What is Tai Chi and how can it help people with arthritis?
A: Briefly, Tai Chi is a slow, gentle, relaxing form of exercise that originated in the martial arts. Because the movements are designed to mirror the natural movement of the human body, people can avoid the physical stress and discomfort common to most forms of exercise. With practice, Tai Chi provides a moderate form of aerobic exercise, which can be adjusted to individual physical needs. It also offers fun and relaxation, builds muscular strength and endurance, reduces pain, and can capture one's interest level.
Q: What is the Tai Chi for Arthritis Teacher Certification Program?
A: With the help of his Tai Chi associates and medical advisors, Dr. Paul Lam, an Australian physician and Tai Chi Gold Medal winner, developed a safe and easy-to-learn Tai Chi program based on Sun Style Tai Chi Ch'uan. NCC is one of only a few permanent sites in the U.S. that trains people to teach this safe form of exercise, which is based on the Tai Chi principles of movement. The program - offered as a weekend workshop and taught by the Arthritis Foundation - provides guidance and support for medical professionals, exercise leaders, and martial arts teachers who have the desire to teach simplified Tai Chi form as a safe and easy-to-learn movement exercise.
Q: Why is Tai Chi becoming popular?
A: The secret is finally out about the benefits of Tai Chi! And, it is supported by credible research conducted throughout the world. As a mind-body form of exercise, it has tremendous health benefits, regardless of age. It is kind to the body because it gently moves the joints of the body, improves balance, and enhances circulation and respiration.
Q: What are the health benefits of Tai Chi?
A: Some have called Tai Chi the perfect exercise because if offers a number of benefits to both the body and the mind. It improves posture and balance, increases flexibility, reduces pain, enhances the immune system, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, relaxes the body, and improves energy flow. An even bigger bonus is that it is fun and can be practiced at home alone or in organized group classes.
Q: Where can you practice Tai Chi?
A: Tai Chi classes are beginning to pop up around the metro area at community centers, fitness centers, martial art studios, and college credit and non-credit classes. Once you learn the basics, you can practice on your own in your office, front room, or even in your front yard (if you don't mind your co-workers or neighbors asking what you're doing!).
View all Tai Chi classes offering at Normandale
Instructor:
Time/Date:
