Tai Chi

Senior Programming

Join us for Tai Chi led by Heritage Area Agency on Aging Health and Wellness Coordinator, Bryan Bruner.

What is Tai Chi and Why? 

An art embracing the mind, body and spirit – Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey. There are many styles and forms of tai chi, the major ones being Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu (different words in Chinese) and Sun. Each style has its own features, but all styles share the same essential principles. Chen Wangting developed the Chen Style Tai Chi around 1670. Specifically we will be learning Sun style. 

Numerous studies have shown tai chi improves muscular strength, flexibility, fitness, improve immunity, relieve pain and improve quality of life. Muscle strength is important for supporting and protecting joints and is essential for normal physical function. Flexibility exercises enable people to move more easily, and facilitate circulation of body fluid and blood, which enhance healing. Fitness is important for overall functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles. In addition to these components, tai chi movements emphasize weight transference to improve balance and prevent falls. Almost everyone who practices tai chi recognizes its powerful effect on relaxation and concentration. 

The majority of participants were taught the Tai Chi for Arthritis program. This study found that recurring falls were reduced by nearly 70%. It also found that building confidence—a fundamental component of the Tai Chi for Arthritis program—correlates closely to the reduced rate of falling. This study was one of the two listed on the CDC official site as evidence of tai chi preventing falls. 

- "Prevention in Fall-prone Adults” Dr Choi J.H., Moon J.S. and Song R., Journal of Advanced Nursing (2005). 
 

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