b'allows you to release tension in your body,park and recreation departments, special while learning to speak, breathe, sit, and moveeducation programs within the public school with the least amount of muscular effort. Thissystem, or in programs for older adults with technique is not a series of treatments ordisabilities, such as an adult day care or assisted exercises, but rather a re-education of theliving facilities. mind and body through awareness. Tension,TTaaiiCChhiigeneral discomfort, and poor breathing are all signs of conict within us, between whatThis Chinese system of slow, we think and what we feel. The more wegraceful, owing motion is separate mind and body in everyday activities,derived from the martial arts, themore welosetouch withourselves,and prior to that, the natural explains Glynn McDonald in her book, Themovements of birds and Alexander Technique.animals. Literally translated, Alexander also outlined the health benetstai means big or great and chi means ultimate of proper breathing, such as healthier digestion,energy. Through gentle, yet powerful dance-improved heart function, and elimination oflike sequences, Tai chi aims to stimulate straining the throat during breathing andcirculation and your inner chi. Each form or set speaking. Like physical therapists, theis accompanied by instructions for breathing. Alexander Technique teachers work withPracticing these exercises can improve balance, individualswithpostureandmovementnemotorskills,rhythm,andalignment. dysfunction. Physical therapist John A. MacyCognitively, Tai chi cultivates concentration said, The Alexander Technique is an educationaland memory. Tai chi can be practiced by just practice with emphasis on teaching principlesabout anyone, regardless of physical capacity, of optimal movement control and applyingand can even be practiced in a chair or a bed.theseprinciplestoeverydaymovements.TThheeBBoottttoommLLiinneeThere is an overlap between the two types ofThese are just a few types of exercise that practices, and both can be of great benet inmightworkforyou.Foramorecomplete helping people attain their greatest potential.guide, please refer to our booklet The Fitness R Prescription, which is available on our website ReeccrreeaattiioonnaallThheerraappyyT or by making a request to have it sent to you. Utilize sports, games, danceIfyouneedmorespecicinformationon and movement, or arts andmanagingpainwhileexercising,please crafts to recover basic motorconsult your doctor and healthcare team.functioningandreasoningRemember the key is to focus on what you abilities. Recreational therapycan do and maintain a positive attitude. In the canincorporaterelaxationtechniques,beginning, exercise of any kind may seem stretching and limbering exercises, pacinglike a tedious chore, but to anyone who has and energy conservation techniques, artsincorporated exercise into their lifestyle for a and crafts, or team activities. Recreationalsignicant length of time will tell you that therapists generally work in community-basedthey enjoy it and will never give it up.17 msfocusmagazine.org'