How I did it: I'd been wanting to get back into my taiji routine for years, but wanted a good instructor who knew the long-form of Yang style taiji. I liked the guy at a friend's gym, but they were in downtown Boston (chinatown district) - so that meant impossible parking after work. This spring/summer they moved to a new, renovated space in another district where I can easily get to after the office, and that helped with the logistics. Once I'd been there a few times, I realized I really liked the people & atmosphere (great attitude, great sense of humor of instructors and of other gym people). Once I started, I really wanted it to be part of my weekly routine. Now I go 3 times a week, sometimes 4, it just depends what else I'm up to.

Lessons & tips: I guess my obstacle was partly one of logistics, and partly one of time management. Make sure that you consider both how long it takes you to get to where ever you have to go, or how much space it would take up in your home. I found it helpful that I have a few friends at the gym who email me and check whether I'm coming to class or not - which makes it more fun.

Resources: I didn't really need much in terms of a "product" but the positive, respectful attitude at the gym, and the great sense of humor of everyone there - that was a big contributor to my comfort level. No testosterone poisoning there! also no - as my friend Erika put it - "born-again Asian" phenomenon, LOL.

Jan 12, 2009, 10:37AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer