Through Tai Chi, a community grows: San Mateo Central Park home to early-morning exercise class

“It started in 2006 when people came up to me after seeing me practice every morning,” Wang said. “They wanted to learn and it has helped their health.”

The majority of people who come out there in the mornings are elderly looking for ways to boost their physical well-being. People from all over the Peninsula have come to be a part of the group. Participants from South San Francisco to Palo Alto have made their way to the park due to word getting around.

Elena Wong, a Belmont resident, does slow squats to warm up before the class, she has been a part of for 10 years, starts. At 77, Wong happened upon the Tai Chi group when she came to the park for another group exercise that the park’s recreation center holds.

“Tai Chi suits me better because there’s more movement and you use some more strength,” Wong said. “I feel more comfortable with my body and I get more strength and more flexibility.”

Ray Kuo, a San Mateo resident, has been a part of the group for five years and has enjoyed his mornings in the park doing Tai Chi. At almost 80 years old, Kuo has the spirit of a young man as well as flexibility and range of motion with help from Tai Chi.

“This park is very important because it gives us a space to get together and do Tai Chi,” Kuo said. “Tai Chi has given a lot of benefits to seniors’ well-being, especially with movement.”

Through cold, windy California weather to days filled with sunshine, the Tai Chi group meets ready to battle anything. The troop follow Wang’s movements as he goes through and holds different stances. The group has given seniors a better option in fitness to keep them moving without overdoing it.

“People got health benefits from it and they keep showing up so I keep teaching the class,” Wang said.