×

Tai chi

Marquette Senior Center offers classes in gentle stretching exercise

Maria Formolo teaches tai chi through the Marquette Senior Center at Baraga Gym in Marquette. The gym is located at 300 W. Spring St.. Her dog, Rafiel, often accompanies her. (Journal photo by Taylor Johnson)

MARQUETTE — As the new year approaches, many people are looking for activities to keep the winter blues away. The Marquette Senior Center is a great resource for senior citizens looking to stay active.

The senior center holds several classes throughout the week, including tai chi on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“It is one of the National Association of Senior Centers and National Counsel on Aging best programing recommendations for fall prevention and balance, so we’re really pleased to be offering it here to our older adult population,” Senior Services Manager Maureen McFadden said.

Tai chi is a slow moving routine using gentle motions to help improve balance and strength. Not only is it a great class for health reasons, but it is also a way to build friendships and get involved in community activities. On average, 15 to 20 people of older age ranges attend the class.

“There is a variety of experience, a variety of skill levels, you see friendships form,” McFadden observed. “Our groups have a lot of fun.”

Members of the tai chi class use gentle movements to keep their bodies healthy and active. (Journal photo by Taylor Johnson)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior center was able to keep the tai chi class going by offering classes virtually and when weather permitted, outdoors at Tourist Park.

They are now back to holding classes at the Baraga Gym in Marquette, located at 300 W. Spring St. Masks are not required but it is requested that individuals do not attend any program at the senior center if they feel ill or believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Maria Formolo has been teaching the class for around 12 years. Her mellow eight year old black lab, Rafiel, often joins her. She has also been teaching health promotion classes at Northern Michigan University part-time for almost 20 years.

“It [tai chi] works the joints gently, it’s more about relaxing and moving.” She added, “It’s a good counterbalance for people who hike, bike ride, and things like that because we do work a little more loosely with the joints.”

Jill Vessels has been attending the class for three and a half years.

“In the beginning, I didn’t know what it was, so I thought I would come because someone supported me,” she ssaid. “Then after I got here, I realized how those aging muscles get weak and those are the exact ones that make us trip and fall.”

She added, “The muscles that we don’t know are getting weak, all of sudden you start to use them and you notice that you can use them to keep yourself from falling and pretty soon you’re more graceful.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year about three million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.

Additionally, each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.

Peter Zenti has been a regular at the tai chi classes.

“One of the things we see in seniors in the winter is slips and falls. If you learn to balance yourself, you have a better chance when you slip to be able to right yourself,” he said.

The tai chi class is free to adults 55 and older. No registration or experience is necessary. Any questions can be directed to McFadden at mmcfadden@marquettemi.gov or by phone at 906-225-8564.

A complete calendar of senior center events can be found at www.marquettemi.gov/departments/community-services/senior-center/.

Taylor Johnson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is tjohnson@miningjournal.net.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today