A few years ago, my chiropractor told me that if I didn’t do SOMETHING, I was going to end up in a wheelchair. I was falling a lot. When someone just approached me from the other direction, I’d almost fall off the sidewalk. My vertigo was so bad, I had to walk hanging onto the wall. My back was a real problem and I was in pain all the time. I was also really depressed as well, grieving for my husband of 42 years.
Now after a couple years of doing Tai Chi with Jerry five times a week, I’m a different person, mentally, spiritually and physically. My doctors can’t believe the changes they’ve seen in me. My health has increased exponentially. I have no trouble walking and my balance is great. My back pain is gone. My cloud of depression has lifted. I feel good!
Although I started Tai Chi about 7 years ago, I didn’t start to practice in this new way until I took Jerry Punzal’s class a couple of years ago. My experience with him is so different. He is so encouraging. Jerry saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. Pretty soon, he encouraged me to start leading class. Today I enjoy taking Jerry’s class as a student and also being able to lead his class when Jerry needs me to. I enjoy showing new folks how to get started in Tai Chi because I love to take care of people.
I’ve had my friends regularly join our Tai Chi class because they, like me, realize that as long as you’re “up and moving” it’s great for your health. Eugene is another one student who was in a lot of pain. He also does Tai Chi and Feldenkrais back-to-back on Mondays, and he enjoys it like I do. He is someone I’ve been able to guide through Tai Chi, which is very satisfying.
I love this facility for its beauty, the staff’s friendliness and the schedule. I love to take Feldenkrais right after the Tai Chi class on Mondays; it works perfectly for me. I’ve become an annual member at Still & Moving Center!
It’s not that things don’t happen to me any more; I’m 70 years old. It’s just that now I take them in stride. I got a heel spur, and I just worked through it. I had my gall bladder removed and was back in class in just two weeks.
Jerry is my sensei. By taking Tai Chi with him on a regular, frequent basis, I’m a stronger person in many ways and so much more confident!
Cynthia M.
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