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The Tullahoma Parks and Recreation has announced Sun Style Tai Chi as a new fitness program.

Sun-style Tai Chi is one of five primary styles of Tai Chi. It is well known for its smooth flowing movements which omit the more physically vigorous crouching and leaping of the other styles. Its gentle postures and high stances make it very suitable for martial arts therapy.

The class will take place from 8 to 9 a.m., Monday and Wednesday mornings beginning Mon, Oct. 16, at CD Stamps Community Center, located at 810 S. Jackson Street in Tullahoma. It’s a 12-week program which will run through Nov. 22.

Instructor Belinda Riddle comes to the parks and recs department from UT Extension and is certified through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Each class Riddle teaches will focus on a different movement that culminates in a form that can be done any time to reduce stress, increase flexibility and have fun exercising!

 “There are 21 forms (movements) which are done to the left and then to the right, so that you repeat what you have learned,” Riddle said. “Movements are slow and continuous, and all done while standing so there is no equipment involved”

She went on to say, “Participants are to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.”

Sun Style Chi is known for relieving stress and tension while building strength in your legs and increasing flexibility and mobility in your joints. Riddle specializes in Sun Tai Chi for arthritis and diabetes, which is logical since Tai Chi is known to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure and prevent falls.

The class is open to all fitness and ability levels. Riddle can accommodate a chair if anyone needs one. She is happy to give modified instructions to anyone who has limited mobility.

For more information, contact Amy Barnes, Program Coordinator, at abarnes@tullahomatn.gov.