Tai Chi Joins Silver & Fit Exercise Program

April 1, 2015

The Tai Chi for Health Institute will be partnering with the Silver & Fit exercise and healthy aging program to offer Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall Prevention classes to Silver & Fit fitness facilities and members nationwide.

In 2013, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall prevention program. Lam, a family physician and tai chi expert, founded the Tai Chi for Health Institute in 2009. Its mission is to empower people to improve their health and wellness.

According to Ileina Ferrier, Tai Chi for Health master trainer, tai chi originated as a martial art dating back to ancient China. Though relatively unfamiliar to a large swath of American seniors, several aspects of modern tai chi have been proven to promote health and wellness.

Focusing on inner awareness that incorporates physical movements, mental concentration and relaxed breathing; tai chi has been proven to be effective for fall prevention by promoting muscle strength and flexibility to improve balance.

“Our goal is to raise awareness that tai chi is a modality that promotes health and wellness,” said Ferrier. “Teaming up with the Silver & Fit program gives us another avenue that allows us to connect with older adults who can benefit from our programs.”

“We’re excited to endorse the Tai Chi for Health experience because it gives facilities the opportunity to offer their members a safe, proven way to enhance their balance and reduce falls,” said Silver & Fit Vice President Brett Hanson.

According to the CDC’s website, one out of three 3 older adults (65 or older) falls each year and these falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.

The program will allow fitness facilities contracted with the Silver & Fit program, “to endorse tai chi classes suited to different levels of need, from standing to seated classes for older adults, regardless of experience or fitness level.”

For a national listing of instructors and workshops in your area, please visit the Tai Chi for Health Institute’s website, www.tchi.org, or contact Ileina Ferrier at taichialoha@gmail.com.