Crash victim leads Rustington tai chi classes

Far from winding down and taking things easy, Janet has launched into a new venture teaching tai chi, with three classes held weekly in Rustington.

And she has a builder to thank for laying the foundations of her new career, when he suggested she should visit a gym to get fitter.

That was more than five years ago, and soon after signing up with the Esporta health and fitness club in Rustington, Janet started tai chi classes and found that, unlike many other exercises she was unable to do, the graceful martial art was much more to her liking.

In fact, she took to it so well that her teacher suggested Janet might like to train as a tai chi instructor herself.

Three classes

Newly qualified at the beginning of this year, Janet made a tentative start with a group of Arun University of the Third Age members in Rustington Guides' Hall, and has since gone on to open two further classes in the village Scout Hall.

"The difference tai chi has made to my own health is unbelievable.

"When I first started at Esporta, I was so unfit," said Janet, whose health problems began when she broke her neck in a serious car crash in 1981.

Later, she developed thyroid problems and took early retirement in 1994 from her work as a teacher in East Sussex.

Growing stronger

She said: "It took me 64 years to find something I could do, and now I love it.

"It increases your strength all over and is very calming."

Janet, who is single and lives at Bramber Square, moved to Rustington four years ago from Worthing.

For more information on her classes, at the Guides' Hall on Mondays from 11.45am-12.45pm and at the Scout Hall, from 2-3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, telephone Janet on 01903 856893.

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