Tai Chi Classes For Seniors 50 Years and Older

Senior Services of Will County, in partnership with the New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition and New Lenox Township, are offering the 12-week Tai Chi Program for people over 50 years of age.  The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi is an especially good way for older adults to exercise, reduce the likelihood of falls, prevent injuries and improve quality of life.   

The classes will be held in the basement of the Guy Sell Senior Housing Apartments located at 1100 South Cedar Road, New Lenox, IL beginning on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 and ending on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.     The Tai Chi Classes are on the beginner level and will be held every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00pm to 2:00 pm.   Mr. Wayne Jupiter of WDJ Productions is the Tai Chi instructor with 14 years of experience.  

The goal of the class is to improve balance and to prevent falls, increase flexibility, and reduce stress.  No special clothing is needed.  The suggested donation is $20.00 for the twelve week class.  You do not need to be a New Lenox resident to attend the classes. 

To sign up for class you may: 

• Contact Senior Services Center of Will County @ 815-723-9713 for questions and to register for class.
• Come to New Lenox Township Offices, 1100 South Cedar Road, New Lenox to fill out and pay ($20.00)  for classes.   Ask for Kathie Johnson.  You may pay cash or check.   Check should be written to “Will County Senior Services”.   New Lenox Township Phone Number is 815-485-6431.

What is Tai Chi:

• Tai Chi is a centuries old system that promotes harmony between the mind and body.  Tai Chi is a form of exercise with slow and gentle movements and postures along with deep breathing and moving meditation. 
• Tai Chi is fast becoming one of the more popular exercises in the western world.    Its low-impact slow and soothing relaxing movements incorporate deep breathing and relaxing postures that cleanse the mind and body each time you go through the gentle movements.
• Tai Chi benefits for health improvements include: balance improvement with lower risk of falls; improved strength, conditioning, coordination and flexibility; reduced pain and stiffness, enhanced sleep; overall sense of well-being with greater awareness and stress reduction.

The New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition is proud to co-sponsor the Tai Chi classes which are an integral part of the Coalition’s Falls Prevention Program.  The Falls Prevention Program is designed to improve the health, safety and quality of life for participants through education and exercise.  This will in turn increase safety and reduce injuries that typically result from falls.  “Our Coalition members believe strongly in this program and appreciate the efforts of Senior Services of Will County and New Lenox Township to move it forward,” said  Daniel Martin, Public Safety Division Chief at the New Lenox Police Department and Chair of the New Lenox Safe Communities America Coalition.