Looking for a fun, low-impact way to improve your strength, balance, and overall well-being? Tai Chi at Arlington Parks & Recreation’s Dottie Lynn Recreation Center and Elzie Odom Athletic Center may just be the perfect fit. These classes offer a relaxing yet effective workout that can help reduce stress, increase flexibility, and enhance coordination. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people.
“The benefits of Tai Chi for anybody who practices it include better strength and flexibility, a greater ability to concentrate, increased balance and coordination, and sometimes even a little bit of relief from chronic pain,” said Collen Brewer, a fitness instructor at Dottie Lynn Recreation Center.
Brewer explains that the benefits go beyond physical health, offering participants, especially older adults, an opportunity to connect with others.
“Tai Chi classes help seniors to have a healthy lifestyle, both because of the mental and physical benefits, as well as the social interactions that they can have here,” Brewer explained. “That’s really important for older people who sometimes get isolated.”
Whether a participant is new to Tai Chi or has been practicing for years, Brewer ensures the classes are welcoming for everyone.
“If there are people that have more specific limitations, I can address those with other modifications on a case-by-case basis,” Brewer said. “My students know that they’re never going to be judged, and that all of their efforts, if they continue doing them, will benefit them,” she said.
Parks & Recreation’s Tai Chi classes are available for participants ages 13 and older. The Dottie Lynn Recreation Center, located at 3200 Norwood Lane, offers classes every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 12:45 p.m. The Elzie Odom Athletic Center, located on 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd., hosts Tai Chi on Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
These classes are free with a Gold membership. Or you can drop in with an $8 day pass, which also gives access to Gold membership-level perks for the day. For more information or to register, please call or visit either recreation center. Contact the Dottie Lynn Recreation Center at (817) 277-5001 and the Elzie Odom Athletic Center at (817) 459-6434. You can also view the full fitness schedule here.
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