Tai chi takes time but is worth the effort, students say

The people watching one of May Chen's Tai chi classes at the Fremont Adult school recently shook their heads in disbelief.

"The class is two hours? I can't believe it!" one woman said to her companion. "That's so long!"

But for Chen's dedicated students, two hours is barely enough time to get started.

We all know the benefits of exercise, including: a lowered risk of diabetes and heart disease, a fit physique and improved mental clarity. Yet it's hard to fit in 30 minutes of pounding the pavement, let alone a two-hour session several times a week.

Chen, however, thinks this graceful practice of a martial art derived from Kung Fu is worth the time. And many of her students agree.

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