Silver Fox Twin Roy Takes on Tai Chi: My Next First-Person BPL Wellness Challenge
- roywillwrite
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Written by Silver Fox Twin Roy Williams- Birmingham, Alabama
The Silver Fox Twin Roy journey to better health continues.
This morning, Thursday, August 20, at 5:30 a.m., I was up and moving, walking nearly 1.5 miles with my wife, Patrice, on our early-morning wellness walk.
Later today, from 1–2 p.m., I’ll continue that journey by participating in Week 3 of my four-week Chair Yoga series with Coach Tru at Birmingham Public Library.
I’ve traded my camera for an exercise ball, stretched my way through chair yoga and followed the beat through chair aerobics.
And next week, the challenge changes.
It’s time to try something new.
On Wednesday, August 26, I’m stepping into the world of Tai Chi.
I’ll be participating in the Beginner Tai Chi for Seniors class at Pratt City Branch Library from 10:30–11:30 a.m. And I’ll be doing it for more than just the exercise.
I’m kicking off the next installment of my first-person BPL wellness series, where I don’t just tell you about a library program—I actually participate and tell you what it feels like to experience that program as a patron.
From PR to the Exercise Room
At 61 after a series of health setbacks the past few years, I’ve taken my own wellness more seriously.
My wife, Patrice, and I have been walking together every day, usually covering 1.6 to 2 miles. I’ve also been exploring Birmingham Public Library’s free wellness programs, including chair yoga and chair aerobics.
Those experiences have become more than exercise for me. I’m discovering what it’s like to walk into a fitness class without being an expert, without knowing all the moves and sometimes wondering whether I can actually keep up.
That’s the perspective I want to bring to this series.
I’m not writing about these programs as an observer. I’m writing as someone willing to try something new in my own wellness journey.
Next Stop: Tai Chi
Pratt City Branch Library introduced its Tai Chi program in June, and the response from patrons has been strong.
Certified instructor Candace “Candy” Shrum leads the beginner-friendly class, introducing participants to simple, gentle movements in a welcoming environment.
No previous Tai Chi experience is necessary, and accommodations can be made for participants with lower mobility.
Tai Chi combines slow, flowing movements with focused breathing and mindfulness. It’s often described as “meditation in motion.”
That sounds peaceful.
But here’s the question:
Can I actually do it?
That’s what I intend to find out.
Come Along With Me
Beginner Tai Chi for Seniors
When: Wednesday, August 26, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: Pratt City Branch Library, 509 Dugan Ave., Birmingham, AL 35214
Instructor: Candace “Candy” Shrum, Certified Tai Chi Instructor
From Observer to Participant
Next Wednesday, the camera is coming with me—but I’ll be the one in front of it.
I’ll follow Candy’s instructions, attempt the movements and see firsthand what a beginner’s Tai Chi class is really like.
And yes, I expect there may be a few moments when my body and my brain disagree about which direction I’m supposed to be moving.
That’s part of the story.
I want readers who have never tried Tai Chi to be able to see themselves in my experience.
Maybe you’ve thought about trying it but were afraid you wouldn’t know what to do.
Maybe you think Tai Chi is only for people who are already flexible.
Or maybe, like me, you’re simply looking for another way to keep moving, work on balance and flexibility and make wellness a regular part of your life.
I’ll probably make a few mistakes.
I may discover that Tai Chi is harder than it looks.
And then I’ll tell you what it was really like.
Stay tuned for my first-person look at Tai Chi at Pratt City Branch Library.
Who knows?
By the end of the class, I may discover that there’s a little Tai Chi in this Silver Fox after all.
The Silver Fox Roy journey continues—one walk, one class and one new wellness challenge at a time.
The Silver Fox Twins Aging Gracefully series. 2 Identical Twins. 2 White Beards. 2 Continents, 1 in USA, 1 in Europe. Embracing age as we advance in our 60s.
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