Tai Chi for Arthritis
&
Tai Chi from the
Arthritis Foundation
Student Testimonies

As a former teacher, I commend Donna Russert’s Tai Chi instruction in that she is caring, enthusiastic, constantly reviews exercises and has a great sense of humor.

I am enjoying participating in her program immensely, not only because it relieves my arthritic condition, but it is relaxing and stress –reducing.

It is most definitely a worthwhile experience and I highly recommend taking the program.

Judy I.

4 Seasons at Mapleton

Tai Chi for the arthritis practitioner has already improved my quality of life.

My body, especially my back, feels better on the days when I attend class.

Practicing standing in the root posture that we learned and some of the chi gung (spelling?) exercises make being on my feet while walking or shopping less painful and fatiguing.

The class itself is enjoyable and relaxing.

Our instructor is patient and kind as well as knowledgeable and accomplished.

Donna L.

4 Seasons at Mapleton

Hi Donna,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for bringing  TaiChi  to our community.

You have taught us so much about the art of Tai Chi and, as a result, I really look forward to our weekly meetings.  The meetings provide me with an opportunity to get together with friends, stretch and improve my balance and flexibility, and it is such an enjoyable program.

In addition to your teaching skills, I am very impressed with your patience.  You always manage a sincere smile while we plod along, trying to imitate your poise and grace.

Once again, Donna, a large, sincere thanks to you.

Gail

4 Seasons at Mapleton

I have been taking Tai Chi with Donna Russert for the last 3 months and I not only enjoy her class but I know my health has improved.  Donna has encouraged me, with her warm smile and her expertise in teaching Tai Chi, to keep attending her class, in spite of my pain because I feel so much better after her class.

I have fibromyalgia which causes constant pain in my legs, spine and especially my rib cage, which makes breathing difficult for me.  The slow, gentle, purposeful movements not only improved my flexibility and strength, but has improved my capacity to breathe.  I use the many breathing techniques and exercises that Donna has taught me to deal with my pain.  Tai Chi has really helped me to relax and apply it to a daily meditation exercise.  I love participating in Donna’s class and I look forward to each Tai Chi class.

Sincerely,

Angela N.

4 Seasons at Mapleton

My name is Clara N, a recent resident of Four Seasons at Mapleton in Columbus, New Jersey.  I have always been interested in martial arts.  I would constantly be watching the martial arts programs on television and would indicate to my family that I wish I could do martial arts.  Their response was “try it, take a class”.  I never did until now.  I am SO happy I decided to try it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes since I started in May.  I feel energized after each class and look forward to the next class.  I wish the classes were Monday-Friday every week instead of just Thursday and Friday of each week.

My entire body has responded and benefited from this new experience and I am totally grateful for this opportunity and for our instructor, Donna Russert, Sifu, who makes the classes enjoyable, interesting and full of fun.  She is always explaining different concepts to us (why we are doing this technique), telling us the difference between technique and form and how to use and apply it.  She also gives us a little history of the martial arts.  I enjoy the classes also because it has improved my flexibility and it has strengthened my legs.  I have arthritis in both knees and I have noticed the improvement in both.  AT the end of the class, I walk away relaxed and stress free.  At my age now, I need movement and this program (Tai Chi) has given me this worthwhile movement.  I will be taking this class as long as it is offered plus I will follow Donna if this class discontinues, which I sincerely hope it doesn’t.  I encourage anyone who has not tried Tai Chi to try it, you WILL enjoy it.

Donna is such a pleasant person and very helpful, plus she is VERY GOOD.  I enjoy coming to her classes.

THANK YOU DONNA.

Clara N.

4 Seasons at Mapleton

Donna,

One of the best things I ever did for myself was to join your Tai Chi class.

As I am of a Type A personality, you have taught me to be patient, to pace myself and concentrate on the task at hand.  My blood pressure has come down, I find a sense of inner peace and I still get all my things done.

You not only encourage us, you build on our self-esteem and make us feel we can do “anything”.  Thank you so much for sharing your “chi” with us.

Julia T.

Evergreen

Whenever I’m stressed, I repeat the moves at home & it relaxes me.  I find that it slows me down a notch, so I can think more clearly.  It also helps when I go to sleep at night, breathing slowly & evenly.

Donna is a very good teacher, she lets you know when you’re doing it wrong & helps you do the moves correctly.

JoAnn D.

Evergreen

Dear Donna,

Tai Chi class has helped my blood pressure.  I check it “before” & “after”.  I find it several points lower after Tai Chi.

My right knee still gives me problems.  Maybe time & patience & Tai Chi will give me some relief.

I enjoy our hour together.  You are “great” with us Seniors.

Thank you,

Rosalie D.

Evergreen

Dear Donna,

I look forward to each Tai Chi class.

It helps me to maintain good balance and flexibility.  Tai Chi has mental and emotional benefits, as it’s relaxing and it reduces stress.

In addition to all of the above, we have fun too!

Sincerely,

Delores B.

Evergreen

I’m hoping Tai Chi will be helpful in releasing some of the tension I’m undergoing at present.  In turn this should be an aid to keeping my hypertension under control.

Doris S.

Evergreen

Sono 4 mesi che partecipo in questo programma e sempre piu mi piace e ingesis.

It’s been 4 months that I have been participating in this program, and I just keep liking it more.

Avero un periodo di granole olepressione, questa qinnaslica mi ha molto aiutata, mentalmente e fisicamente, e riposante a piacerole.

I had a period of great depression and this exercise has helped me tremendously – mentally, physically and to relax.

Donna e una istruttrice meravigliosa brava e paziente.

Donna is a marvelous, good and patient instructor. 

Sincerely,

Nilda B.

Evergreen