Physical Fitness Is ‘Just Beyond That Hill’

David-Dorian Ross is a tai chi master, yet he’s also something of a storyteller, too.

He recalls the King Arthur legend of “The Fisher King” and how it relates to fitness later in life.

“At the end of the story, the hero — who has spent his entire life searching for the castle where the Holy Grail is located and failed — spends a night with a monk in a hut. The monk says, ‘But you know, my son, that the Grail castle is just beyond that hill. It’s right there.’”

David-Dorian, 64, says, “Our health, our happiness, our ability to get the most out of life doesn’t need to be a struggle — decades chasing the Holy Grail. It’s right there. And we have so many people wanting to share this with you – it’s just that close.”

We believe in that message, too – especially since we’re some of the people here to help you on your journey to physical fitness, regardless of age.

And David-Dorian’s specialty of tai chi is one of the most accessible and powerful tools to bring healthy movement to anyone. More mature adults than ever have been able to practice virtually in the last year or so, after the pandemic brought endless online options.

‘Meditation in Motion’

The slow, gentle movements of tai chi (pronounced TIE CHEE) have been practiced in China for thousands of years, and today by millions of people around the world.

It has become somewhat trendy for medical and fitness providers who serve people over 50.

The ancient martial art is sometimes called “meditation in motion.” And remembering the steps and their sequence is good for brain health and focus.

Studies show tai chi helps people with arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, as well as stress management, muscle tone, lower blood pressure, and other aspects of good health.

It’s also one of the best things we can do to improve our balance while standing still and also while moving. In other words, tai chi is great for preventing falls.

Help for Veterans

David-Dorian has been teaching tai chi since 1979, creating his own method called taijifit.

He is also the national network manager of tai chi and yoga instructors for the Veterans Affairs Community Care Network — providing free Tai Chi and Yoga classes to men and women who have served in the US armed forces. David-Dorian served in the Navy from 1975-1980.

Veterans can benefit from movement and community connection. Plus tai chi is a helpful treatment for PTSD, depression, chronic pain, suicidal thoughts and more. David-Dorian urges any veteran or a loved one to ask a VA provider for a local referral.

And we advise everyone who wants to move with more confidence and comfort to talk to us about tai chi. We can offer instruction or help you get started. This is still a great time to try something new like this at home without any risk.

Remember, the grail is just beyond the hill…