Registration is now open for a pair of six-week classes that will help improve your health through training in the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi.

Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well is offering Tai Chi for Health classes starting in October. Intro to Tai Chi, a free class for beginners, starts Oct. 1 and will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Carrollton Presbyterian Church, 14 Maple Street.

Get Healthy, Live Well is also offering an advanced Tai Chi 2.0 class that will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton.

One of Get Healthy, Live Well’s most popular free programs, Tai Chi for Health has helped over 500 people throughout the region improve their physical and mental health since its inception in 2017.

Both programs help to increase mobility, improve balance and physical function, and reduce stress through sessions of tai chi, combining deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle movements. The low-impact activity uses shifts in body position and stepping in coordination with arm movements.

Studies show that the practice of tai chi helps improve almost all chronic conditions including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. In addition to helping improve chronic disease, tai chi helps prevent falls by improving strength and balance. It also helps participants improve posture, immunity and reduce blood pressure.

The Tai Chi for Health program is based on Sun and Yang style tai chi. Fundamental movement sets will be taught, along with warm-up and cooldown exercises. Qigong breathing exercises will also be included.

As progress is made, further sets may be taught.

Space is limited and registration is required, so call 770-214-CARE or register online at tanner.org/taichi.