In China last year, Chattanooga Parks Administrator Larry Zehnder watched thousands of people moving slowly in Shanghai parks each morning.
The large groups were doing tai chi — also called tai ji — an ancient martial art practiced now for balance, coordination, muscle strength and relaxation.
“They took time out before their workday to exercise, and I thought ‘What a great use that would be for our public spaces,’” Mr. Zehnder said.
This week, the city parks department announced free tai chi lessons in downtown’s Miller Park. The program is part of a new “healthy lifestyles initiative,” Mr. Zehnder said, to provide wellness programs for workers, students and visitors in the city’s downtown parks.
For several years, tai chi has been offered in Coolidge Park by various local instructors. The Miller Park classes will not replace those classes.
“They just started doing it there, which led to this. I want to bring tai chi to the central business district, where local businesses can take part,” Mr. Zehnder said.
Classes are taught by the Chattanooga Tai Ji Community. Chattanooga Sister Cities organization is a program co-sponsor.
The city’s expenses are minor, pay for two instructors for each class, Mr. Zehnder said. He paid for his China travel, he added.
Tai chi began centuries ago as a Chinese martial art. Today, it is a widespread exercise for all ages. Older people in Asia often practice tai chi because it is gentle on joints.
Health benefits also include aerobic fitness, improved sleep and pain relief, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Lisa Nave, a 50-year-old human resources administrator from Ooltewah and past-president of the Tai Chi Community, catalogued the healthy benefits she’s experienced in eight years of practice.
“It’s proven to be wonderful for reducing stress, keeping blood pressure lower. You have to concentrate to do the moves so it’s a mental workout as well as a physical workout,” she said.
David Prestridge, a 59-year-old ad manager for Light Sport and Ultralight Flying magazine, said he avoided major heart surgery through regular tai chi movement.
“Since I’ve been doing tai chi, I can run up the steps and no longer experience angina pain. It’s a phenomenal form of exercise,” he said.
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Members of Chattanooga Sister Cities and members of the Chattanooga Tai Ji Community participate in a tai chi demonstration in Miller Park.
