Affecting one in five adults, arthritis is the second most frequently reported chronic condition in the U.S., according to the Arthritis Foundation website. A more frequent cause of activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and a serious threat to the quality of life of millions of people.
In an effort to combat the effects of the condition on adults in this area, the Southeast Area Agency on Aging and Disability is holding a free arthritis tai chi class at Red Bank Community Center. The eight-week workshop will be held Mondays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. starting April 28.
The self-paced class involves slow, fluid movements and is not aerobic in nature, said Catherine Pippin, program manager for the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
“You can remain seated if you have mobility issues,” she said, adding that the exercises work all the participant’s joints. “Utilizing those joints is encouraged by doctors so they don’t lose range of motion.”
Tai chi exercises also help participants with daily activities, such as making jars easier to open, because the joints are looser.