A free one-hour Tai Chi class will be held May 5 at the Champaign County Farm Bureau Auditorium as part of Healthy Champaign County’s Active Living Week. The session features beginner-friendly movements aimed at improving balance, flexibility and overall well-being.
CHAMPAIGN - Residents looking for a low-impact way to improve balance, flexibility and overall well-being will have an opportunity to give Tai Chi a try next month during a free introductory session in Champaign. A one-hour class is scheduled for May 5 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Champaign County Farm Bureau Auditorium. The session is part of Healthy Champaign County Active Living Week and is open to participants of all experience levels. Led by Family Life Educator Emily Harmon and Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen, the class will introduce simple, evidence-based Tai Chi movements designed to support mobility and reduce fall risk. Organizers say no prior experience is required. Often described as a moving meditation, Tai Chi combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and focused attention. Originating as a martial art in ancient China, the practice has evolved into a widely used form of gentle exercise aimed at improving physical and mental health. Participants will learn basic sequences, known as forms, that flow continuously from one posture to the next. The movements emphasize upright posture, controlled breathing and body awareness, helping practitioners develop balance and coordination over time. Health professionals frequently point to Tai Chi’s benefits, which can include improved flexibility, better cardiovascular health, reduced stress and enhanced stability—particularly for older adults or those managing chronic conditions. Its low-impact nature makes it accessible to a broad range of fitness levels. Organizers encourage anyone curious about the practice to attend, noting that it is “never too late to start.” Those needing accommodations or wishing to register by phone can call 217-333-7672 or contact Mannen at rmannen@Illinois.edu or Harmon at ebaine@illinois.edu.
