Tai Chi / Body Balance at
Paradise Valley Community College
Black Mountain Campus
A new Tai Chi / Body Balance program has begun at Paradise Valley Community College’s Black Mountain Campus (PVCC/BMC) , in North Scottsdale, Arizona. The campus is part of the newly constructed Desert Foothills Family YMCA and the Foothills Community Foundation Center, located on 60th Street, south of Carefree Highway.
This Tai Chi class is the first effort to unite both PVCC/BMC and the Desert Foothills Family YMCA, in a unique joint cooperation program. This class will allow PVCC/BMC students to join the YMCA at a reduced rate, and will also allow YMCA members to easily become PVCC students (and get college credits).
GUANG PING YANG TAI CHI
This one hour exercise class will emphasize exercise and body balance through the progressive learning of the 64 gentle movements of the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi style, as taught by Raymond Sol, MS Ed. This style has been called the "Imperial Style" because it was primarily taught to the Imperial Families in China.
The College Courses are set up into Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. Some classes will be combined together at various times, depending upon student numbers.
The 2012 semester will feature a Beginners Class and an Intermediate / Advanced Class. The prerequisite for the Intermediate Class is the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Beginners Class, as taught by Raymond Sol, MS Ed.
The prerequisite for the Advanced Class is the Guang Ping Yang Intermediate Class, as taught by Raymond Sol, MS Ed.
These classes are part of the PVCC’s Physical Education and Exercise Science Department. The Course numbers are listed in the right side column, along with dates and times. Make sure you ask for Instructor Raymond Sol, MS Ed. People interested in registering for these classes should contact PVCC at:
www.paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain
or call 602-493-2600.
Each class will begin with warm up exercises, followed by Qigong deep breathing movements, and a simple body centering activity, used by chiropractors. Students will then be instructed on the various tai chi movements of the gently flowing Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi style. Ample time will be provided to allow the students to practice the new movements and how to integrate all the tai chi movements together.
The Tai Chi movements will help students stretch and strengthen their muscles. The Qigong deep breathing exercises will help students get fresh oxygen into their bodies and help to remove toxins. These gentle movements promote relaxation and lower stress levels. Recent studies have shown many people, at all age levels, will experience healthier lives, when playing tai chi.
Once again, all Tai Chi classes will emphasize exercise, body balance, and how to re-energize your bodies, as taught by Raymond Sol, MS Ed.
NEW PROGRAM - TAI CHI HIKES
Also, another new Tai Chi program is being offered at PVCC/BMC. A series of four Tai Chi Hikes will be offered in the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters, to students (no YMCA membership is required). These hikes will take place in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's excellent trails in Scottsdale.
Each class will start with tai chi warm-up exercises. Then midway through the hike the class will be shown tai chi balancing exercises. Finally, at the end students will be shown qigong deep breathing exercises to help cleanse and balance the inner body.
Students are required to be in physical condition to finish a 5 mile hike and keep up with the group. In addition, students are required to bring proper hiking shoes and clothes, their own water and snacks, a personal first aid kit, and sun block. Hiking poles are optional, but recommended. Checking with your personal doctor regarding your physical condition to participate in these hikes is highly recommended.
This is not a "walk-in-the-park" exercise program. The hike will be on desert trails over rugged terrain that are considered "moderate". The average speed will about 2 to 2 1/2 miles per hour, with frequent stops to identify desert plants.
Exercise and Safety are the primary goals and every effort will be made to keep everyone safe. Students are still responsible for their own safety and are discouraged to not take risks that will endanger themselves and other students. A wavier form will be signed by all hike participants.
HOW TO FIND THE CAMPUS
The PVCC / Black Mountain Campus is located on 60th The address is 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266. The telephone number is 602-493-2600. The Google Map program below will provide directions to the campus.
