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Attendees Geri Lasater, Marcie Morales, and Judy Lansing practice the Sun style Tai Chi on Wednesday, Oct. 2 during the Tai Chi for Health program at SunUte Community Center. This style of Tai Chi is characterized by upright posture, slow movements, and strong focus on weight transference-consistent practice helps to help improve balance, flexibility, and coordination.
Participants from the Wednesday, Oct. 2 class gather for a photo. The Tai Chi for Health program is designed for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness, classes take place every Wednesday from 2-3p.m. at the SunUte Community Center. This program is free and is brought to you by the Southern Ute Community and Home Health Services.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
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Tai Chi for Health


Would you like to do more physical activity, but aren’t sure how to start? Would you like to improve your balance, strength and mental focus in a supportive environment doing something fun and different? Are you curious about an ancient martial art that has been proven to help everything from arthritis pain to memory loss? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then Tai Chi for Health is for you! 

Originating in ancient China, Tai Chi evolved as a type of martial art focused specifically on increasing the amount and flow of Qi, or life force, within the body. Stronger Qi is believed to lead to better health and greater harmony both within – between mind, body and spirit – and without – between oneself and the natural world around us. There are five major styles of Tai Chi. The Tai Chi for Health program is based on the Sun style, which was developed specifically for healing and restoration. Sun style Tai Chi is characterized by upright posture, slow movements, and strong focus on weight transference. Research has shown that consistent practice of Tai Chi improves balance, flexibility and coordination. This in turn leads to greater mobility, increased confidence and awareness, and statistically proven decreased risk of falls.  

All styles of Tai Chi consist of a linked sequence of “forms” or movements. While learning the forms is important for progressing on your Tai Chi journey, what truly makes Tai Chi unique are the essential principles. These include “Jing” and “Song.” The Chinese word “Jing” can be loosely translated as mental quietness or serenity. It implies an internal tranquility accompanied by heightened external awareness. “Song” refers to the physical experience of a loosening or relaxing of the joints, or “an opening from within.” Opening this way allows Qi to flow more smoothly, increasing internal strength and energy.  

The Tai Chi for Health program is designed to be safe and easy to learn. The gentle, slow movements are appropriate for people at all levels of physical fitness, including those living with limitations due to chronic health conditions. If you are curious whether Tai Chi might be the right activity for you, come check it out! We meet every Wednesday, 2 – 3 p.m., in the Capote Room at the Sun Ute Community Center. There is no cost to participate, just a willingness to try something new! Questions? Call Karen, 970-563-2340. Brought to you by the Southern Ute Community and Home Health Services. 

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