TAI CHI FOR BETTER BALANCE PROGRAM
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a martial art that has many direct and beneficial applications for health. Tai Chi incorporates many principles of movement and exercise. In addition, Tai Chi has a mind body component that develops as the movements become more comfortable and familiar. It can become ‘meditation in motion’ which builds a sense of serenity from moving at a slower pace.
Why Tai Chi?
First, Tai Chi greatly improves balance and overall body awareness, so important for fall prevention. As we age the risk of falling increases rapidly. According to the Oregon Health Authority falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults 65 and older. One in three older adults falls each year, and 20 to 30 percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries, such as bruises, hip fractures, and head traumas. Tai Chi has been a proven effective tool for reducing falls and is endorsed by the Center for Disease Control.
We are teaching the Tai Chi for Better Balance Program because of its strong evidence of fall prevention.
Jim
Dalton
Our Tai Chi Instructor
Jim Dalton has been teaching meditation and mindful movement for over 25 years. Trained in a variety of traditions, his current classes reflect the latest principles of contemplative practice and stress reduction. Twelve years ago he began teaching a simplified short form designed for better balance and general health maintenance. Since that time, he has offered the Tai Chi for Better Balance program at numerous senior centers in the area.
Benefits of Tai Chi:
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Increased strength and flexibility
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Reduced pain and stiffness
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Improved balance and coordination
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Better posture
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Reduced stress and increased relaxation
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Adoption of fall prevention techniques
Is Tai Chi right for me?
You bet! You do not need to have experience in this movement form to learn this approach. It is safe and can be adapted to meet individual needs. You do not need to be able to get up and down from the floor to participate. Tai Chi is fun and different and really does bring out things about the way we move that are different from most any other form of exercise.