Tai chi dives into the pool at Haven on the Lake
David Foulk, tai chi master instructor, leads an aqua tai chi class at Haven on the Lake in Columbia. (Brian Krista / Baltimore Sun Media Group)
Kay Wicker
For Howard Magazine
Find your chi in the water with an aqua version of this Chinese martial art.
Linda Phillips, the aqua mind body leader at Haven on the Lake, a fitness retreat in Columbia, was suffering from migraines, one of the residual effects of a basketball-to-the-head concussion. It wasn’t until she started attending Haven’s newish, relatively little-known aqua tai chi class (and Haven’s water shiatsu class, Wastu) that she actually found relief.
“I think [this class is] one of our best-kept secrets,” says Phillips.
The class, led by area tai chi master David Foulk, meets Tuesday evenings in the retreat’s pool. The Chinese martial art focuses on redirecting and harnessing the body’s “chi,” or energy, through slow-paced and extremely controlled movements. In the water, the exercise’s serene, restorative quotients rise.
During the 45 minute-class, the exercise has the potential to balance the mind and body. The controlled movements and poses are thought to reduce pain, balance your nervous system and strengthen your heart, among other benefits. “Healing sounds,” created by breathing techniques, vibrate the organs, bringing them chi and health, proponents of the practice say.
David Foulk, tai chi master instructor, leads an aqua tai chi class at Haven on the Lake in Columbia. (Brian Krista / Baltimore Sun Media Group)
Foulk discovered the wonders of tai chi a little over 30 years ago, after surviving a motorcycle accident that left him in a coma for six months. He had to relearn motor skills and relied on a wheelchair.
“I celebrated my 21st birthday in the hospital,” says Foulk.
Soon after, he was working at a pool for disabled people, where he met a tai chi instructor and discovered the martial art. In about a year of practicing, Foulk had regained his balance and no longer needed the wheelchair.
“American medicine saved my life, and Eastern medicine gave me a better life,” he says.
Foulk’s water-based version of the exercise is similar to the dry-land form, with just a few minor adjustments for the pool.
“He incorporates chi-gong more for breath and i-chi, which has different movements that are all about breath,” Phillips says.
Students of the class may also recognize his creativity in dubbing one move “The Ray Lewis” because it bears a striking resemblance to the football star’s touchdown dance.
Ruth Naftaly of Columbia follows movement directions from Foulk as he joins the students in the water. (Brian Krista / Baltimore Sun Media Group)
“Foulk is such a knowledgeable teacher,” says Nancy Berge, a student of his.
Berge, who works for the Baltimore County school system, had to stop attending due to scheduling conflicts but is eager to return upon her retirement. While attending, she says, “I didn’t get sick as much.”
Combine this class with one of Haven on the Lake’s spa treatments, and you’ve got one relaxing midweek happy hour.
Aqua Tai Chi
6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays
Haven on the Lake
10275 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
$32 for nonmember drop-ins, $22 for member drop-ins (unless your membership includes classes)
410-715-3020
havenonthelake.org/aqua.html
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