Looking for a way to move more to help reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis or a way to get in more physical activity? Then Tai Chi for Arthritis might be for you. Three Tai Chi for Arthritis programs will be offered in June and July and are open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion or veteran status. Hilda Lytle will be the instructor.  

These one-hour, joint-safe programs are designed to help you manage the effects of arthritis through slow exercises, including warm-ups, Tai Chi forms and cool downs. You will learn the forms of the sun style of Tai Chi to reduce pain and stiffness while improving motion and memory depending on program selection. Participants should plan to attend all sessions of either program to receive the most benefit. Sessions will be held at the Warren County Administrative Building.

Created by Dr. Paul Lam with the help of a team of medical experts, Tai Chi increases heart and lung activity, aligns posture, improves balance and integrates the mind and body. Other benefits may include: improved ability to cope with stress and  depression, memory, coordination, muscle strength and stamina and body awareness. Studies have shown that people with arthritis who have completed the class have experienced less pain and stiffness, tend to exercise and relax more and have more overall knowledge of their condition. 

Seated Tai Chi consists of six sessions starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays. The first session begins on Tuesday, June 4. Participants will remain seated for the duration of all sessions while learning the six basic Tai Chi forms. Remaining tentative dates are June 11, 18, 25 and July 2 and 9 in the Early Voting Room.  

Tai Chi for Arthritis – Level II is open to any participants having completed the Level I program. A review of Level I will be held on the first day. Other classes will encompass Level I and new forms for Level II will be taught. There will be a total of 10 sessions on the following dates – June 11, 18, 20, 27, and July 2, 9, 11, 22, 24, 30. Class time is 10:30 a.m.. except for June 27 with a start time of 11:30 a.m. Classes will be in the Early Voting Room or Magnolia Room. The first class is in the Early Voting Room.

The Tai Chi Refinement program is offered to anyone who has completed Level I and II of Tai Chi for Arthritis. It is designed to encourage participants to work on and refine their Tai Chi movements through progression of all forms. Participants will enhance learning, balance and memory. Four sessions will be held on Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in June and July.  Specific dates are June 3, 17, and July 1 and 8. 

Registration for any of the programs is requested by Monday, June 3.

Please call UT TSU Extension – Warren County at (931) 473-8484 to register or for more information. You may also reach out to the instructor by email at hlytle@utk.edu.