Registration is now open for a class that will help improve your health through training in the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi.
Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well is offering free Tai Chi for Health classes in August. The six-week program starts Aug. 21 and will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, 705 Dixie Street.
The goal of the program is to increase mobility, improve balance and physical function, and reduce stress through sessions of tai chi, which combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle movements. The low-impact activity uses shifts in body position and stepping in coordination with arm movements.
Studies show gentle exercise like tai chi helps prevent diabetes in 60 percent of cases. And a University of Florida study shows that regularly practicing tai chi can help people better control their diabetes and lower blood glucose levels.
In addition to helping prevent and manage diabetes, tai chi helps prevent falls by improving strength and balance. It also helps participants reduce stress and improve posture.
The Tai Chi for Health program is based on Sun and Yang style tai chi. Fundamental movement sets will be taught, along with warm-up and cooldown exercises. Qigong breathing exercises will also be included.
As progress is made, further sets may be taught.
Space is limited and registration is required, so call 770.214.CARE or register online at GetHealthyLiveWell.org.
