Seith and Pat Schentzel — Achieving Physical and Mental Balance, Together

Seith Schentzel, Ph.D., and his wife, Pat, try to live by the Eastern philosophy “as within, so without.”

 

Seith Schentzel, Ph.D., of Allentown has 12 years of formal training in tai chi (shown here) and several other martial arts styles and uses them to maintain his health and fitness. A clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, he often recommends martial arts to his clients. Schentzel’s wife, Pat, has taken tai chi with him for more than a year.

The 54-year-old Allentown couple work to incorporate the emotional, spiritual and physical components of martial arts into many aspects of their lives. “When you develop an inner calm and peacefulness, you project that sense of well-being into the environment,” Seith says. “It helps with relationships and everyday situations.”

It also helps in Seith’s psychology practice. “People struggling with anxiety are worried about the future,” he says. “Tai chi helps you stay focused on the present and able to enjoy the sounds and sights of the moment. It helps you learn to deal with reality as it exists and lead a more adaptive life.”

Seith has studied Okinawan karate, judo and kung fu as well as tai chi. He’s been inspired by Bruce Lee and the television show Kung Fu. He looks forward to his classes to help him relax and maintain an even keel, while also improving flexibility and coordination and giving him a cardiovascular workout. He also uses it to keep his blood pressure under control.

“I feel more energetic and able to deal with daily stressors and unexpected changes in life,” he says.

Unlike her husband, Pat Schentzel had never taken a martial arts class before trying tai chi. She’d become bored with aerobics classes, and grew sedentary as a result of some health problems. Now her exercise routine includes tai chi and regular walking.

“Tai chi was much more strenuous than I expected,” Pat says. “You can make it as challenging as you want it to be, and no two classes are ever the same.”
She says she feels stronger, especially in her legs, and has improved her balance, breathing and flexibility. And she’s learning to relax and forget about everything but the present.

“It’s so much more than learning to do the perfect form,” she says. “I’ve gotten to the point where I can close my eyes and zone out, staying focused internally. It’s a very different feeling. I wish I could take classes five days a week!”

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