United Way Area Agency on Aging offers both virtual and in-person Tai Chi courses taught by certified instructors. See below for a course description, schedules and instructor bios. Then join the class that works best for you by calling 1-800-AGE-LINE!
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
This course introduces you to the principles of Tai Chi and lays the foundation for your success with, and enjoyment of, this form of Chinese martial arts. Tai Chi is not only practiced for defense training but also for meditation and its many health benefits. You’ll first learn the proper techniques for warm-up exercises and the six basic movements of Tai Chi; then, ultimately, you’ll add the six advanced movements to your practice.
The class is suitable for anyone brand new to Tai Chi as well as those who would like to improve their practice. Our certified instructors teach both seated and standing positions to accommodate varying levels of ability. Dress comfortably for movement and stretching. No special equipment is necessary.
Participate Online or In Person
United Way Area Agency on Aging makes it easy to participate in Tai Chi. We offer virtual classes so you can join from the privacy and comfort of home. And we offer in-person classes at a number of area Senior Centers, where you may benefit from the energy of a group environment and even closer interaction with the instructor. See the schedules below and call 1-800-AGE-LINE to register today!
Virtual Class Schedules
All virtual Tai Chi classes meet once a week for 45 to 60 minutes.
-
Tuesday @ 8:15 a.m. or 1 p.m. — Instructor: Adriene
-
Wednesday @ 3 p.m or 4 p.m. — Instructor: Cassandra
In-Person Class Schedules
All in-person Tai Chi classes meet once a week for 45 to 60 minutes at the following locations. If you would like to attend a specific in-person class, please contact the corresponding Senior Center directly. *For a list of Senior Center addresses, please click here.
-
Homewood Senior Center*, Monday @ 1:30 p.m. — Instructor: Galina
-
Mount Olive Senior Center*, Thursday @ 11:45 a.m. — Instructor: Galina
-
New Merkle Senior Center*, Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m. — Instructor: Galina
-
Shepherd Center at Don Hawkins*, Monday @ 10:30 a.m. — Instructor: Adriene
-
Tarrant Senior Center*, Monday @ 9:15 a.m. — Instructor: Adriene
-
Titusville Senior Center*, Wednesday @ 9:30 a.m. — Instructor: Adriene
-
Trussville Senior Center*, Monday @ 12:30 and Wednesday @ 11 a.m. — Instructor: Adriene
Meet the Instructors
ADRIENE DOUGLAS, BASc, LMT
Having a curiosity for holistic arts almost a decade ago, Adriene began studying and practicing Qigong and later Tai Chi. In 2017, dedicating herself to a daily practice and immersion into the health aspects of Tai Chi, she began studying with the Tai Chi for Health Institute to improve her health as well as the health of her family and clients. As a senior trainer for Dr. Paul Lam, Adriene teaches several Tai Chi for Health Programs specializing in Tai Chi for Arthritis, which she teaches online and in person, either privately or in groups.
CASSANDRA FRIESON, DNP, CRNP
Cassandra Frieson is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. With more than 20 years experience caring for geriatric residents in long-term care, she is passionate about helping people maintain health, independence and safety throughout their lives. In 2015, she founded a community-based fall-prevention clinic in Birmingham to empower people to maintain and improve their health through participation in Tai Chi. As a certified Tai Chi instructor, she strives to improve participants’ muscle strength, balance, gait and mobility, and enhance their social and emotional well-being.
GALINA WAITES
Galina Waites has multiple certifications in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention as well as Tai Chi for Eneregy and Seated Tai Chi. She has many years of experience teaching multiple fitness programs and a never-ending passion for Tai Chi. She has taught Tai Chi for more than 10 years because she truly believes in the health benefits of this gentle, mindful and graceful exercise. It improves health, balance and coordination, and affects a person’s state of mind in many positive ways.