White Crane Tai Chi offers Tai Chi for Health (TM) programs. Maureen Caldwell has over 20 years of experience in group health exercise training with land and water certifications. She was trained by the Tai Chi for Health Institute founded by Dr. Paul Lam, a retired Family physician. In 1974 Dr Paul Lam took up tai chi to combat his arthritis. It has been, and still is, a life-changing experience for him. Dr Lam has enjoyed and benefited so much from tai chi that he wants to share it with as many people as possible. His programs have been recognized and certified through the Arthritis Foundation and CDC. Our instructors carefully follow Dr Lam’s Stepwise Progressive Teaching method that is easy to follow and enjoyable. Scientific studies have shown Tai Chi works to improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints and is essential for normal physical function. Flexibility exercises enable people to move easier, and facilitate circulation of body fluid and blood, which enhance healing. Fitness is important for overall functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles. In addition to these components, Tai Chi movements emphasize the importance of weight transference, which helps balance and prevents falls.