Skip to Main Content

The University of Tennessee

UT Extension / Family and Consumer Sciences

Frequently Used Tools:




Health & Safety - Public Health Education Program Resources for FCS Agents

Tai Chi

  

The Statewide Partnership

In partnership with the Tennessee Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, the University of Tennessee Extension is offering Tai Chi to Tennessee residents.

Overall Tai Chi Program Goal

To increase the quality of life of persons affected by arthritis through physical activity.

About the Tai Chi Program

The Objectives of the Program

  1. To provide a safe and interesting program, which is easy to learn for people of almost any physical condition or age without prior knowledge of Tai Chi.
  2. To deliver maximum relief from the main problems experienced by people with arthritis - namely pain and stiffness.
  3. To benefit health in general.
  4. To improve relaxation.

tai chi image

The Smith County Tai Chi program was highlighted in a local news story. Click on the video below to view the story and see Tai Chi in action. (The video requires Flash Player version 8 or higher.)

Get Flash Player

Type of Tai Chi Used in This Program

Tai chi encompasses a wide range of styles and forms, each with their own characteristics, strengths and principles. The Sun style, one of four widely recognized styles, was chosen as being particularly effective for people with arthritis since it is characterized by:

  • Agile steps with many forward and backward movements: After any movement forward or backward with one foot, the foot follows, providing more mobility, which is very helpful to people with arthritis.
  • Power Qigong (pronounced “shegone”) exercises facilitate healing, improve breathing and facilitate relaxation.
  • Its high stance makes it easier for beginners and older people to learn.
  • For persons using a wheelchair or walker, the movements can be modified to be done sitting in a chair or standing using a chair for balance.
  • Its great artistic depth holds participant interest.

Target Audience

Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation is designed for individuals with or without, arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions primarily characterized by diffuse muscle pain, decreased muscle strength and fatigue. The program is appropriate for people with mild, moderate or severe joint involvement. The class may consist of people with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joint osteoarthritis, back problems and those who are elderly or generally reconditioned. Persons with very mild disease, minimal joint involvement or an active daily routine might find the program sufficiently challenging. Some generalized muscle soreness or some feeling of being tired from increased activity may be expected. All ages are welcome.

Twelve Tai Chi Movements Learned

Basic Movements

  1. Commencement Form
  2. Opening and Closing Hands
  3. Single Whip
  4. Waving Hands in the Clouds
  5. Opening and Closing Hands
  6. Closing Form

Advanced Movements

  1. Brush Knee and Twist Step
  2. Playing the Lute
  3. Parry and Punch
  4. Block and Close
  5. Pushing the Mountain
  6. Opening and Closing Hands

The Program’s Demonstrated Benefits


  • Decrease in pain and stiffness in joints.
  • Improved daily physical functioning.
  • Improved balance leading to decrease in falling.
  • Improved abdominal muscle strength.
  • Increased confidence in one’s ability to exercise.

About the Tai Chi Instructors

Shelia Rae, Master Tai Chi Trainer certified under the direction of Dr. Lam (http://www.taichiproductions.com), conducted the instructor training for the University of Tennessee Extension educators. She conducts Tai Chi Instructor Training Workshops across the United States. Ms. Rae has been awarded both Gold and Bronze Medals in International Tai Chi competitions.

UT Extension educators who have successfully completed the Arthritis Foundation Instructor Training Program are certified and approved by the Arthritis Foundation to teach this program. These instructors will demonstrate the joint-safe exercises in this program.

Registration Fee

Registration fee is $48.00 for eight one-hour sessions.

Program Brochure and Registration Form

Take Charge of Your Joints: Tips for Living with Arthritis Brochure (SP526-O)

Program Availability

To find out about availability in your area, check the Arthritis Foundation web page or contact a certified UT Extension instructor in your county.

Want to Learn More About Arthritis?

To learn more about arthritis and the benefits of physical activity in managing the disease, visit the FCS Health & Safety – Arthritis page for great Web site links!

Test your knowledge of arthritis with our quiz - Arthritis Quiz: Do You Know the Basics?

State Contacts:


Barbara (Bobbi) Clarke, PhD, RD
Professor & Extension Health Specialist,
Co-Director UT Center for Community Health Literacy
University of Tennessee Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
119 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-4501
Telephone: (865) 974-8197
Fax: (865) 974-5370
E-mail: bclarke@utk.edu		 Carrie Thompson
Program Director
Tennessee Chapter, Arthritis Foundation
421 Great Circle Road, Suite 104
Nashville, Tennessee 37228
Telephone: (615) 254-6795, Ext. 104
Fax: (615) 254-8316
E-mail: cthompson@arthritis.org
Jessica E. Taylor, MPH
Community Health Specialist
Arthritis Education Program Coordinator
Family & Consumber Sciences
218-C Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-4501
Telephone: (865) 974-7393
Fax: (865) 974-5370
Email: jtaylo22@utk.edu

For more information about the UT Extension Health & Safety programs, please contact your local County Extension FCS Agent .