Not everyone will attain the same level of proficiency in walking. A person who has suffered a stroke may not reach the level of someone who has had a hip replaced or has broken a leg. A person with a debilitating chronic disease may be only able to slow its progress. On the other hand, no one can predict what a strong mind can accomplish with perseverance. The important point to remember is that most people can improve their ability to walk and thereby increase the length and quality of their life. This is true for every one of all ages.

One example of this program's success is a man of ninety-two who had suffered a severe stroke on the left side of his body. He was somewhat mobile with a walker but tended to spend much of his time sitting in his easy chair and watching television. I worked with him for several months, twice a week for a half hour. It used to take two people to help him walk up stairs. Now he can do it with one person. This permits him to leave the premises of his home more often and to participate in life’s activities outside the home. Equally important, he actually radiates the bloom of health. He feels better and suffers from less pain.

Manual Contents

The program outlined in The Tai Chi Falls Prevention Manual is divided into five steps:

1. Five Flexibility Exercises,

        2. Six Leg Strengthening Exercises,

               3. Three Tai Chi Walking Exercises,

                             4. Self-Massage

                                           5. Practical Walking

You should try to do all the exercises at least five to six times a week. The entire program should take you between 30 to 40 minutes. Start slowly and persevere. If you have the video of these exercises, try to maintain my pace or go even slower.

As you follow the directions in this manual, you should observe the four rules of moderation:

1. Know yourself. You should pay attention to your capacity to do these exercises by listening to your inner voice.
2. Do your best. You should perform these exercises to the best of your ability.
3. Don’t overdo. This balances no. 2, ‘do your best,’ so you don’t injure yourself by trying to accomplish too much.
4. A little progress each day. Incremental change is the key to better health. Don’t try to set the world on fire in one day and spend the next week in bed. Be consistent!

It is a good idea to write out these rules and put them in a visible place where you can see them as you exercise. They are an excellent guide for living a sensible lifestyle.

Ma Yueh-Liang was a famous Chinese Tai Chi teacher who lived to be ninety-eight years old. A few years before he passed away, one of his students asked how he had maintained such excellent health into his nineties. He said: ‘Never Stop!’ With Ma’s advice in mind, use this manual to ‘never stop’ moving your body.

I believe that your health and quality of life will improve dramatically and will become a wellspring of personal joy while serving as an inspiration to others. I want to wish you a long life full of health and well-being.

The Video/DVD

1. Warm-ups: Developed by Arieh Lev Breslow, these warm-ups will gently stretch tight muscles, soften taut ligaments and open rusty joints.

2. Leg Strengthening: These exercises will strengthen the leg muscles so that the legs will provide better support for the body.

3. Tai Chi Walking: Adapted from Tai Chi, these exercises will improve balance and leg strength by utilizing mind focus and other Tai Chi principles.

4. Self-Massage: This series of massage helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing energy while soothing painful muscles and joints.