Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors is offering free tai ji classes at its Newby Street facility Thursdays at 11 a.m. to adults of all ages.
Instructor Chris Campbell says the practice reduces the pain of arthritis, relieves fibromyalgia and improves balance.
Alexian Brothers Senior Ministries Executive Director Colleen Combs, program developer Angela Beairsto and marketing coordinator Michelle Turner are launching tai ji classes Thursdays at the downtown center.“Every breath we take brings life to our body,” said Campbell, a St. Elmo resident who has practiced tai ji for 23 years ago and began teaching in Chattanooga 13 years ago. “Tai ji is meditation in movement. It’s about moving and flowing with change. It’s gentle movements that constantly shift our balance.”
He said in his classes he starts out with a warm-up and then goes into the practice. He said tai ji is a healing art, but it can also be a fighting art.
“It works on the whole system of the body. It not only works on the body, but also the mind,” said Campbell. “It helps our body relax. We have a lot of stress in our body. When it gets overloaded, it breaks down.”