Faculty member teaches ancient exercise

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise, has been made available to UM-St. Louis by faculty member Sam Lin. Lin, who works in the physics department doing molecular and electronic research in material science, relaxes while instructing Tai Chi. "I like doing Tai Chi," Lin said. "Tai Chi keeps me healthy." According to Lin, the exercises have been proven to be useful for improving health. Practicing Tai Chi helps with hypertension, balance and stability, heart problems and much more. Lin said that one of his students at the Olivetti Tai Chi Associates in University City, where he has taught since 1992, has seen improvements in her blood pressure. "The student, she graduated from UMSL, has been with me for three years at U. City," Lin explained. "She came with high blood pressure and now, without medicine, the blood pressure is down." This gives hope to one of Lin's current UM-St. Louis students, Linda Gratson. The chief clerk in the finance office has high blood pressure and attributes her interest in Tai Chi to the health benefits. "I saw a flyer, and I have high blood pressure. And I heard that [Tai Chi] helped," Gratson said. "I haven't checked my blood pressure, but I feel it has helped." This is Gratson's first Tai Chi class, and though she has attended only four weeks, she feels results. "I feel more relaxed. Especially right after the class on my way home. I feel calm, relaxed and more energized," she said. Lin began exercising in 1979 when he met his instructor in a hospital in Gang Ghou. "At that time I was a college student. I studied the Tai Chi Fu," Lin said. He describes this as the long form and said it is also known as the Yang style. This softer and smoother style is from China. Sigit Angdrew, freshman, business administration, enjoys the class here and compares it to the form he learned in Indonesia. "I've learned Tai Chi in my home country," Angdrew said. After moving to the United States last summer he wanted to get back into the exercises. "I feel I have a lot more energy. I will continue the classes [as long as they are offered here]." There are currently 18 students enrolled in this session, compared to the six that were in the first session. "The first time, I think only students [were interested]. This time we have more staff," Lin said. "This is very good for faculty or people in an office. They need something like this." According to Lin, Tai Chi brings better circulation. "The chi goes through your body. A balance, physical and of the spirit, exists like the ying yang." Having practiced more than 30 years now, Lin has enjoyed the benefits of Tai Chi and hopes to continue helping others with these healthy exercises.

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