The Dragon's Head Blog: Taoist Tai Chi® practice and weightlifting

I have been practicing Taoist Tai Chi^® arts consistently since I turned 28. Now 22 years later and through many years of competing nationally and internationally as an Olympic-style weightlifter and powerlifter, I find that Taoist Tai Chi^® practice is an integral part of my physical, mental and spiritual health.

I am proud of my history as an older athlete, having stayed competitive amongst lifters often half my age throughout my career and  earning an IWF record-setting gold medal at the World Masters Games in my own age and weight class category in 2016. I am certain that my Taoist Tai Chi^® practice has been essential to keeping my muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments strong and flexible. My sports massage therapist tells me that my tissue feels like that of a 30 year old! And recently, my sports ortho took an ultrasound of my hip and said that people 10 years younger would be happy to have my hip!

Now I powerlift, holding American Masters Records,  and twice earned the title of Masters Champion at the USA Powerlifting Nationals. I am so grateful to have found Taoist Tai Chi^® arts, and I just know that I would not be able to continue to train, recover and compete without my Taoist Tai Chi^® practice!