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PHH to offer Tai Chi as a wellness class in 2019

Parkview Huntington Hospital Rehab and Wellness Center Exercise Specialist Katie Cunningham demonstrates a Tai Chi move at the hospital’s health and wellness fair, Healthy Steps, in October. The hospital will offer a wellness class in Tai Chi early next year.
Parkview Huntington Hospital Rehab and Wellness Center Exercise Specialist Katie Cunningham demonstrates a Tai Chi move at the hospital’s health and wellness fair, Healthy Steps, in October. The hospital will offer a wellness class in Tai Chi early next year. Photo provided.

Parkview Huntington Hospital’s (PHH) Rehab and Wellness Center will offer Tai Chi as a wellness class in early 2019.

In recent years, the ancient practice of Tai Chi has gained popularity as a beneficial activity for body and mind. Exercise Specialist Katie Cunningham will serve as the instructor for Tai Chi, having recently earned her certification in Tai Chi for Rehab. She currently leads the Senior exercise class at the hospital on Friday mornings.  

Tai Chi traces its origins to martial arts practiced in China thousands of years ago. Although the art may still be associated with powerful, explosive movements, many other styles of Tai Chi have been developed that are much slower and gentler.

“Anyone can try Tai Chi,” says Cunningham. “Because it’s a gentle activity, it can be done when recovering from an injury or illness, and it is an exercise that can be practiced throughout a lifetime. The movements can be done standing, sitting or even lying down and can be adapted to physical limitations.”

Cunningham explains that the mental and physical benefits of Tai Chi are numerous.

“It can improve balance, mobility, concentration, memory, flexibility and muscle strength. Performed consistently, Tai Chi can decrease pain, increase energy level and promote relaxation and calmness or inner peace. I think the gentle nature of it adds to its therapeutic properties.”

The big-picture goal of the Tai Chi class at PHH will be to improve a participant’s health, whether physical, mental or both. Participants will follow along with Cunningham as she instructs them how to perform safely many of the different movements.

Another goal of the class will be to get the participants to a point where they can practice a routine at home, as well as learn techniques that they can use at home if they seek another option for stress reduction or, for example, to ease pain related to arthritis.

To reserve a spot in the upcoming Tai Chi class, call the Parkview Huntington Hospital Rehab and Wellness Center at 355-3240.