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 February. The six-week program starts Feb. 6 and will be held Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Villa Rica Public Library, 869 Dallas Highway.
One of Get Healthy, Live Well’s most popular free programs, Tai Chi for Health has helped 212 people throughout the region improve their physical and mental health since its inception in September 2017.
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 that the practice of tai chi helps improve almost all chronic conditions including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. In addition to helping improve chronic disease, tai chi helps prevent falls by improving strength and balance. It also helps participants improve posture, immunity and reduce blood pressure.
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 tanner.org/taichi.
