Tai Chi Class Offers A Chance To Improve Posture, Balance

WILKES-BARRE —When 89-year-old Jeannette Garber, of Wilkes-Barre, tells you tai chi makes her arms and legs stronger, and 81-year-old Anne Visoky, of Plains Township, says it gives her greater balance and flexibility, you can’t help but think the smooth, flowing movements are a practical way to exercise. But tai chi has an inherent grace and peacefulness as well, said Doreen Rakowski, 61, of Kingston, who teaches the class at the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Barre. “Even the names of our movements are so beautiful,” Rakowski said, demonstrating “fair maiden works the shuttle” and “parting the horse’s mane.” Movements called “single whip” and “repulse the monkey” sound rougher, and can help a tai chi practitioner defend himself in combat, but they are intended to neutralize rather than injure an opponent. “In tai chi the premise is to do no harm,” Rakowski said.