A group of tai chi participants from last summer are seen at the Marquette CityÕs Downtown Farmers Market. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University)

MARQUETTE — A program titled Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, featuring warm up and cool down exercises that will help adults with or without arthritis and falling issues, has recently launched online.

The free program, which is available utilizing Zoom, first aired Monday and will continue at 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through July 15.

“Online Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention was developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician from Sydney, Australia, and the Tai Chi for Health Institute as a temporary option for older adults to continue tai chi practice remotely due to the stay-at-home order that was put in place in March,” Falls Prevention Program Coordinator Carlee Wasik of Michigan State University Extension said in an email.

“Within this program, a two-way communication platformî will be the focus to keep participants engaged and it allows the instructor to see and hear participants,” Wasik said, adding that people can interact with one another and ask questions with the instructor and other participants.

Of the 20 sessions that will be offered in this program, each session consists of an hour filled with different exercises and includes a break during the session, Wasik said.

The program offers safe exercises for people to do at home and ìprogressively learn new moves and tai chi principles,î she added.

“Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall prevention includes warm up and cool down exercises and participants will progressively learn six basic core movements and six advanced movements,” Wasik said.

The program will include breathing techniques and tai chi principles. These exercises can be modified to accommodate mobility issues and can be done seated, standing or stationary.

“This free program was made possible by a three-year grant through the Administration of Community Living MSU Extension received in 2018 and since then MSU Extension has implemented trainings to certify staff and volunteers in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention to provide an evidenced-based program in many areas of Michigan,” Wasik noted.

“Tai chi for those who have arthritis has shown to improve mobility, balance, muscular strength, psychological health, flexibility,” Wasik continued. The program is designated for adults who have arthritis but also those who are concerned with falling and this program has helped prevent falls and decrease pain.”

“Physical activity is very important when it comes to preventing falls. Staying active as you age will help you live independent and safe at home,” she said.

For more information on how to participate, email Wasik at wasikcar@msu.edu with any questions or for upcoming class dates. For more information about fall prevention, visit canr.msu.edu/falls-prevention/.

Jackie Jahfetson can be reached at jjahfetson@miningjournal.net.