Tai Chi Sessions a Big Hit in Sandwell

Sandwell residents who participate in weekly tai chi sessions at the Brasshouse Community Centre say they are reaping the health and wellbeing benefits.

Active Black Country has facilitated expansion of the free Monday tai chi sessions at the Smethwick venue in recent months.

Suitable for all ages and abilities, tai chi is a low impact exercise that:

• Improves agility, balance and coordination
• Improves upper-body & lower-body strength
• Reduce stress & has a calming effect
• Improves general health & fitness
• Improves mood & makes you feel relaxed
• Promotes weight loss

Usha Gadhvi (pictured right), who lives locally, found out about the Brasshouse and its programme of activities from a friend. She began attending the tai chi sessions last year following retirement.

“For me this was a godsend. It was wonderful,” she said. “I came here and it was like a home from home. Everyone made me feel so welcome. It’s an absolutely amazing place.”

Asked why she chose to do tai chi, Usha added: “I’m 70 now and I need to make sure I’m mobile and I keep moving. It was so good to know that it was slow, easy for beginners and it was for anybody. The tutor is such a wonderful person. He’s marvellous and makes time for everybody.

“It fitted into my routine as well. I didn’t realise how relaxing tai chi could be, it’s not just the music but the moves as well.”

Usha has made some strong friendships through participation in the group. “It’s helped me so much coming to a simple class like tai chi. It’s given me a purpose. I absolutely love coming to the Brasshouse. It’s something I would recommend to anybody. It’s a very social place to be… it doesn’t matter what minority group you are from you are made welcome,” said Usha, who also attends Friday sip and chat sessions at the centre.

Conroy Jackson (pictured right), who grew up in the area and is now retired, is another who has benefited from the tai chi classes since joining in May last year.

“I found out about the classes through a friend of mine who does it. He said ‘Why don’t you do some tai chi?’ I came along and I’ve never looked back,” he said.

“I wanted to go to something not too energetic because I suffer with vertigo and dizziness. I find it’s very therapeutic, it’s energising and stimulating and for all ages. It’s not too demanding and has helped me with my sleeping.

“There’s a good community of people of all ethnic minorities. It’s like a social event as well, it’s getting me out and getting me to socialise more with people."

Both Usha and Conroy are full of praise for the event organisers at the Brasshouse, CEO Jennifer Harrison and Community Development Worker Liane Smith, saying they provide inclusive and welcoming activities and their communication about what’s on is “absolutely amazing”.

Try a tai chi session

If you are looking for a low impact exercise class, you can join the FREE tai chi session at the Brasshouse, Smethwick (B66 1BA), taking place every Monday from 1.30pm-2.30pm. For more info on tai chi and other activities held at the venue, What's on at the Brasshouse