From: Han Ting Wang
January 21, 2008

The fitness program created by Lian Yee Health Club is an excellent way to get back in shape and lose weight. It is a 60 minutes intensive endurance and cardio training done at a moderately fast pace so that the body’s metabolism is constantly challenged and kept on a very high level. The movements are simple and do not require extra materials such as balls, weights or mats, thus lowering its costs. Also, the exercise targets most of the bodies major muscle groups, such as the abdominal and waistline muscles, quadriceps and thigh muscles, the back and upper body muscles. Therefore, it really engages the core muscles of the waistline and helps to tone and trim the waist.

Through this training, one can burn fat, tone muscles, increase cardiovascular endurance, diminish stress, and much more. I have always been in a good physical condition, playing different kind of sports such as basketball, badminton and kung fu martial art. Still, in my opinion, as a practitioner of the fitness program, this is one of the most intense and challenging work out I have ever had. I lost 5 lbs and increased my cardiovascular endurance since 3 months. I also feel more energetic and less stressed throughout the week.

Also, everything is done in a very warming atmosphere. The instructors do not believe in forcing people to participate. Since everyone starts at a different level, instructors and other classmates encourage you to challenge yourself and get better and in better shape. They will never use any kind of punishment or disrespect to force you into participating. That is why we can really feel comfortable and at home in the group of people we are in.

Han Ting Wang

From: Cecilia
July 7, 2007

A few things about the fitness exercises at the Lian Yee Health Club

When I first joined the fitness group in Mid-March of 2007, I had thought it was only meant to help people lose weight. After attending the class for three months, 3 times a week for one hour each class, I have discovered more benefits to it than previously thought. Having sustained an ankle injury and knee injury years ago, my ankles and knees have been weak and often felt painful easily if I went for a little run. Needless to say I avoided climbing stairs, always taking the escalator whenever possible. I also could not wear high-heels. The fitness program changed everything. Not only are my ankles and knees stronger now, but my legs are as well. This makes climbing stairs seem like a piece of cake. Also, my overall lower body strength has grown considerably. Now I can take brisk walks for a long time without tiring easily. My ankles and knees no longer stop me from going for a little run. On a fashion note (for women), I can wear high heels, which makes my outfits look better. What girl wouldn't go for better looks anyway? Moreover, my leg muscles look more toned and defined without the "bulkiness" that comes with those stationary bikes. Definitely a big plus!

Since I am learning Wing Chun Kung Fu, the fitness exercise also helps me in this regard. Wing Chun Kung Fu requires high coordination of the entire body, meaning that the arms, the hips, and the legs must move in sync, for each movement to be effective. One of my biggest difficulties in Wing Chun has always been the transferring of weight from one leg to the other, because my legs tired out quite quickly after only a couple of transfers. I have noticed that with the fitness class, it has become much easier to do the transfer while practicing the movements, thus helping me to learn to do the Wing Chun moves more correctly and swiftly.

Needless to say, I feel better in general. I have more energy than before. It has definitely helped me deal with stress better. Whenever I have a stressful day, the fitness class really helps to take away that stress. I sleep better at night. I believe that there are more benefits that come from doing the fitness exercise than the ones described above because I am just not yet aware of them yet. So far it has been a wonderful experience and absolutely worthwhile undertaking!

Cecilia

From: Spiro Papagelis
March 19, 2006

I was diagnosed with ankylosis spondylitis (arthritis of the spinal cord) twenty-five years ago. Since then I lived every day in constant pain, easing a bit with medication, but the pain was always there. Mornings were the worst; it took me a good hour after I got out of bed just to bring my body upright, and to get the stiffness out of my bones. My activities were very limited and it was a big strain on my marriage.

Last year my wife and I went through a big crisis with one of our children, we almost lost our daughter. The next thing you know, I got a bleeding ulcer because of all the stress. I was rushed to the hospital after fainting in the house and falling down the stairs. While I was there I said to myself "If I get out of here I will join a martial arts school", because I read that martial arts (especially Tai Chi) takes away your stress.

After doing some homework, and because of my age (49), I decided to try Wing Chun Kung Fu. I have arthritis of the spine so I consulted my doctor and he said to give it a try and, if your body can take it, go all the way. After some searching I found the Lian Yee Health School and after meeting and talking with Sifu, I knew this was the school for me. Three months into Wing Chun and I noticed that I was not hurting as much as before, and I did not need a tow truck to get me out of bed in the mornings. Not only was Kung Fu helping my stress, but my arthritis as well.

Now, nine months later, I have no more stress, no more pills, no more pain, and my daughter is doing just fine.

Thanks for letting me share this.
Spiro Papagelis

From: Jesse Gantz
July 12, 2005

Dear Sifu,

I would like to begin by saying that I'm greatly appreciative of your instruction and guidance over the last year that I've been training at the Lian Yee health club. I feel privileged and grateful to have found this school.

My Experience:

When I first begin training Tai Chi here, I couldn't help making comparisons with my old school and my old style of training. I have to admit, it took me a long time to adapt to the many differences I experienced.

At first, I was surprised by what I perceived as a lack of structure within the school and the students' apparent lack of discipline. I was shocked that students talked so much in class, how laid back they were with respect to their training and that there were no formalities for addressing teachers or lining up the class. Likewise, I felt that the relationships between instructors and students and between fellow students were very ambiguous and that things were too social. I had been brought up with a more formalized structure where I was often told how to act and how to train.

It took me about six months before I began to feel comfortable with the school environment. Joining the self-defence class revealed a more intimate view of how the school functioned and how I was supposed to train. I began to realize that the students' respect manifested itself in different ways than I had expected.

Although subtle, the respect the older students have for you is sincere and deeply-rooted. Over time, I also became more acquainted with the "light" atmosphere during the Tai Chi classes. Once I had loosened up a bit and made some friends, I began to enjoy seeing people and laughing at jokes, which had seemed out of place before. I also began to understand that the school's healthy atmosphere helped students be in the right state of mind to do Tai Chi correctly.

Finally, I realized that despite the ambiguities I mentioned before, the school is a serious martial arts institution and one that runs smoothly. I finally came to understand that, instead of being spoon-fed instruction, the level of instruction increased according to personal motivation and perseverance. In other words, when I showed that I sincerely wanted to learn the style correctly, you and the other teachers would respond with added assistance. I think it is better when students have more control of their training than if they follow a series of predetermined steps (e.g. increasing in rank through a belt system). Again, in this way, I enjoyed my experience at Lian Yee.

Teaching Style:

Concerning the style of instruction at the school, overall I am very impressed. Firstly, I found the all of the instructors to be experienced and helpful. I particularly enjoyed the question and answer period at the beginning of the intermediate classes. It was a great opportunity to get clarification or to understand the theory behind the style. As I mentioned before, the method worked well to encourage me to become more active in my learning.

Secondly, at first I found the constant repetition of the forms a little tedious and unnecessary, but I soon realized that it was more important to perfect my movements and relax than to learn more forms or techniques. Doing the same form over and over again helped me focus on the details. As you say, a student could learn every thing he/she needs to know from the 24 moves of the short form.

Thirdly, I thought the self-defence classes were excellent. It wasn't until I understood how the movements are supposed to be applied that I began to understand how to do the form correctly or what the style is all about. I thank you for letting me be a part of that class and for your corrections and instruction. Also, doing push-hands with the older students was extremely instructive.

Benefits:

I noticed the benefits of my training almost immediately after I began. Not only do I feel stronger and suppler in certain parts of my body, I feel a general sense of well-being and health. Indeed, many of the good effects that I experience are difficult to describe accurately, but, for me, the feeling that I have at the end of the class alone makes doing Tai Chi worth doing. Mentally, I find that I'm generally less agitated and more relaxed than I was before, which is one of the main reasons why I started Tai Chi. Again, I feel the wonderful school atmosphere and the nice people there created a good learning environment and added to the benefits of my training.

I hope to take what I've learned at Lian Yee with me into the next phase of my life in China. I'll be returning home to Boston for about a month to see family and friends before I head to Beijing in the fall. In Beijing, I hope to find a good teacher to continue my Tai Chi training. I will keep in touch with the school and send you news of what I'm doing. I wish you and everyone else at the school the best for the future. Please keep up the good work.

Thank you kindly,
Jesse Gantz