Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Ragsdale YMCA | September 17, 2024 to January 14, 2025 | Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Developed by Dr. Paul Lam at the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is based on Sun style tai chi. Sun tai chi is proven to have many health benefits, including increasing strength, balance and awareness, which can help reduce the possibility of a fall.
Who should attend a Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention program?
- Adults who want to maintain and improve their balance and strength or who have a concern about falls
- Adults with mild, moderate and severe joint involvement and back pain
- Adults with arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions
- Adults without arthritis who might be at a higher risk of falling
- Adults who want to reduce stress, improve awareness, and maintain independence
What are the components of Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention?
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is led by a TCHI Board certified instructor, with each session including the following:
- Warm-up and cool-down exercises
- One or two movements per lesson, progressively leading to completing the six basic core movements and six advanced extension movements
- Breathing techniques
- Tai Chi principles including those relating to improving physical and mental balance
- Movements are performed at a higher stance to make it easier for older participants and those with arthritis. Movements can be modified to accommodate mobility issues for any participant and can be done seated as a starting exercise.
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention has been shown to
- Improve balance
- Increase muscular strength
- Improve mobility
- Increase flexibility
- Improve psychological health
- Decrease pain
- Prevent falls