“Occupy” movement protesters relax with tai chi exercises
Monday, 14 November 2011
"Occupy" movement protesters relax with tai chi exercises.
As part of the nationwide movement of "Occupy" protesters, people have set up camp at a park in Tampa's Ashley Drive. In order to help keep themselves centered and focused, many individuals have taken advantage of the energy healing techniques of tai chi exercises, as reported by The Tampa Tribune.
"It's a cause we all believe in, but you can't be angry all the time," protester Derek English told the news source. "You'll be burned out."
English is part of a group known as the "Fun Brigade," which has taken upon itself the task to maintain morale around the camp, which is staying put with the permission of the city.
The camp has a daily routine that encompasses striking down tents, breakfast and daily planning meetings. Occasionally, there are also tense stand-offs with the police over the cleanliness of the camp.
In order to keep things light, the Fun Brigade holds activities such as kickball games, visits to the library or a tai chi class with an instructor, according to The Tampa Tribune.
In 2007, about 2.3 million people in the U.S. reported practicing tai chi during the preceding year, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Those surveyed reported improvements in their overall wellness, strength, flexibility, balance and sleeping habits.
