Journey To 30 Challenge: Try Tai-Chi

Find your flow through the ancient practice that helps build strength and balance.

To celebrate our 30^th anniversary, we’ve put together the Journey to 30 Challenge! It’s four weeks of summer-fun activities to help you stay active, connect with the SilverSneakers community, and have a total blast doing it. This is Activity No. 6. Find the full step-by-step guide here. And download the game board PDF here. 

When life moves at a mile a minute, slowing down is one of the best things we can do for our bodies — and our minds. 

We’re not only talking about stress-less strategies like saying “no” more often to events and obligations. Slowing down and focusing on your movements can help pump the breaks on busy minds, too.   

Tai chi is often called meditation in motion. It promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing. Unlike yoga, each tai chi posture flows into the next without pause, so you’re in constant motion.  

Just because it’s gentle doesn’t mean it’s effective, though. A regular tai chi practice can boost your mood, give you more energy and stamina, and promote good heart health, according to Cathy Ciolek, D.P.T., a Wilmington, Delaware–based doctor of physical therapy who specializes in working with older adults. It’s also low impact and may even improve joint pain.  

The really good news is you can do tai chi as often as you want. Unlike some other activities like strength training, your body doesn’t need a day off to recover. And the more you do, the quicker you’ll reap its benefits. 

We have just what you need to try tai chi.  

Get and stay fit with SilverSneakers! Choose from dozens of different Community classes, visit a participating fitness location, or view the current schedule of SilverSneakers LIVE online classes.

The Journey To 30 Challenge Activity No. 6: Try Tai Chi  

Today’s activity is split between SilverSneakers members and non-members.   

Eligible members get access to SilverSneakers LIVE online classes, On-Demand videos, and thousands of fitness locations and classes. Not sure if you have access? Quickly check your eligibility now.

As always, safety is key. If you have a chronic condition, an injury, or balance issues, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.    

For members: Take a SilverSneakers EnerChi Class online or in-person 

Our SilverSneakers EnerChi class is a great introduction to tai chi — and the sessions are appropriate for all fitness levels. You’ll perform modified tai chi movements in a slow, flowing sequence.

It’s offered both in-person at participating SilverSneakers fitness locations (review the gym’s schedule for exact times), or online with SilverSneakers LIVE. See the latest SilverSneakers LIVE schedule and RSVP for classes here. 

Bonus challenge: Take a selfie or screenshot during your EnerChi workout today and post it to our Facebook page with @SilverSneakers. It’s a great way to interact with SilverSneakers fans around the country.

For non-members: Press play to try this 5-move tai chi-inspired sequence for beginners  

Bonus challenge: Take a selfie after you’ve finished the tai chi sequence today and post it to our Facebook page with @SilverSneakers. It’s a great way to interact with SilverSneakers fans around the country.

Recommended reading: 6 Reasons Why Tai Chi Should Be Part of Your Day
Recommended viewing: SilverSneakers EnerChi Preview

Take Your Favorite SilverSneakers Classes Online!   

SilverSneakers members can access live fitness classes and wellness workshops through SilverSneakers LIVE. See the latest schedule and RSVP for classes here.   

Not a member? If you have a Medicare Plan, it may include SilverSneakers—at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.    

Not eligible for SilverSneakers? You can still get 200+ free SilverSneakers On-Demand videos and stay in touch with us by creating your online account.