Longwood villagers find a new way of keeping fit

Jan 14 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Longwood villagers find a new way of keeping fit

VILLAGERS are finding a new way to get fit – through the Chinese martial art tai chi.

James Lucas has started running classes at Longwood Mechanics Hall.

The Marsh man invited villagers along to try the non-contact martial art.

James, 41, said: “It’s something different from the normal and it’s an ideal way to improve your balance, posture and circulation and it’s also a good way of relieving stress.”

James, who has been a tai chi instructor for eight years, added that the martial art was suitable for anyone.

He said: “Some people think you have to be old to do tai chi but that’s not the case. In China people of all ages do it. Tai chi relaxes your breathing which is good for people who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.”

Classes costing £3.50 take place at Longwood Mechanics from 7 to 8pm on Wednesdays and 2 to 3pm on Fridays.

Hall manager Derek Fairbank said: “We sent questionnaires to everyone in the village asking them what activities they’d like to see and tai chi was one of them. We also hope to put on yoga and pilates classes at the hall.”

For details of tai chi classes call James on 07913 742 150.