Mrs Dawson said when she was 67 she struggled with her mobility - unable to bend to tie her own shoelaces.

She knew that if she didn't do something she would soon lose the ability to care for herself.

``A day came in my life when I knew I had to do something.'' she said.

``It was a frightening realisation.

``The next day I found the beginners Taoist tai chi flyer in my letter box.'' 

Taoist tai chi helps with a wide range of health conditions including, back problems, circulatory and digestive problems and migraine.

Many find it great for relaxation, stress reduction and it is suitable for all ages.

Mrs Dawson said practising Taoist tai chi was the only change she has made to her lifestyle.

``It has given me my life back,'' she said.

A mix of meditation and martial arts, Taoist tai chi is a Chinese tradition that has been appropriated for western mind and body.

Beginner instructor Anna Stewart said Taoist tai chi was just as beneficial to the mind as it was to the physical body.

``The younger you start, the more benefits you will see in old age,'' she said.

Ms Stewart teaches beginner classes that last four months, two nights a week consisting of the very basics of 108 moves.

Classes start on Monday. 

For more information call 0434 149 877 or email mtisa@taoist.org.