Tai Chi is a moving meditation that combines postures and movements into an elegant and gentle flowing form, which by design, stretches and strengthens many of the muscles and tendons of the body as well as enhances the circulation.

“Originally developed in China as a very formidable martial art,” Jupiter said. “today, most of the millions of people that practice the art of Tai Chi do so for its considerable health benefits including fall prevention.”

Tai Chi stabilizes balance, increases flexibility and reduces stress. It requires no special clothing, equipment or skills. It can be practiced by people of all ages and body types. All that is needed is a willingness to learn and some time for continuous practice.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has endorsed Tai Chi as a modality “…that effectively reduces falls in older adults.”

“Every hour in the United States, 205 older adults fall, 49 of them are admitted to a hospital, 34 hip fractures will occur, and 2 people will die,” said Bonita Lynn Beattie, vice president of injury prevention for the Center for Healthy Aging, part of the National Council on Aging.”

Wayne Jupiter has 16 years experience in Tai Chi, and Qigong principles. He first learned Tai Chi with Dr. Greg Mucci (25+ years of experience) of Joliet, and later studied with Fong Ha, a national and international Tai Chi master from Berkeley, CA (50+ years of experience).

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

For more information, call 815-609-0669.