Instructor: Susan Cruz
One of the best forms of exercise for Parkinson’s is the ancient Chinese art, T’ai Chi for the following reasons:
- T’ai Chi is more accessible as it is typically done standing up and can be adapted to be done sitting on a chair or in a wheelchair
- Movements are slow and repetitive which help the brain connections reformat for improved movement
- Mental – Increased movement, increases dopamine which helps rewire the connections for movement
- Social – classes with others helps with the loneliness and isolation inherent to the disease
- Physical – physical movement increases the production of dopamine which increases the ability to move – which increases the desire to move and becomes a positive spiral for improvement and remediation
Each class will include basic warm up exercises and learning of the Yang style 24 movement form. No previous experience with T’ai Chi is necessary and caregivers are welcomed and encouraged to join in also.
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Susan started her martial arts journey in 1996 studying T’ai Chi and did so until 2004.
From 2004 to today, she continues her study of both T’ai Chi and Kung Fu; the majority of this time under the guidance of Sifu David Slaughter in Cranberry Township, PA. Susan is honored and humbled to be recognized as follows: Level 3 Black belt in Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu, 2013 National Hand Form Champion for Women over the age of 50 and 2019 National Grand Champion for women over the age of 50 both in the ICMAC Worldwide circuit. She achieved her T’ai Chi Instructor level in the Yang style in October of 2014 and began teaching.
When not practicing Kung Fu or T’ai Chi, Susan continues her 35 year career as an executive at Merrill Lynch and spends time with her four children and three young granddaughters.
