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42 | OHCC LIVING | MAY 2025 | If you are looking for a way to reduce stress and anxiety, and a way to increase flexibility and balance, then Tai Chi exercise may be just what the doctor ordered. Originally, Tai Chi was developed for self-defense, but has evolved into a graceful form of exercise. Some describe it as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Tai Chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. It is especially suitable for older adults who otherwise may not exercise. The benefits of Tai Chi may include: decreased stress, improved mood, increased energy, improved flexibility, balance, and agility, and improved muscle strength. OHCC offers a free Tai Chi class each Tuesday and Thursday, 9 to 10 am, in the Abravenal Hall. Each class is led by a video presentation that lasts about 45 minutes. For more information, please contact Mary Ross at (760) 295-9979 or mk1ross@cox.net. Tai Chi Calorie Free Happy Hour! If you are interested in improving strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and overall body conditioning, then you may want to consider attending an aerobics class to see if it fits your needs. This is an all-standing, low-impact class… NO JUMPING! The instructor leads each class in a warmup session followed by an aerobic portion, and then she does a cool down. Occasionally, there are a few exercises for balance and an easy dance for fun. Light weights are used for the last 10 minutes of class. Classes are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Abravanel Hall from 10 to 11 am with instructor Christine Alesiani. You can choose the number of classes each week that you would like to attend. Note: There is no class available on the second Wednesday of each month because of the Garden Club Meeting. The cost is $5 per class paid directly to the instructor. You may pay for and try two classes without joining the club. The annual club dues are $ 6 (please make the check to OH Aerobics). Written by Kathy Palys Aerobics We meet for Chair Yoga on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Come sign in by 11 am for the 11:15 am to 12:15 pm class, sitting in a chair, and standing for a few minutes holding the chair to practice balance. You know you need it. Come once, twice or even three times each and every week. We have a professional instructor on the stage in the Hall to guide you in your exercise. On Tuesday from 8 to 9 am you can do the chair-to-mat yoga class and it is free because our professional and highly qualified instructor is a resident. You have no excuses! Come join us. First class is free and $5 afterwards if you attend again. Written by Barry Farrell Senior Fitness Club Walkers & Hikers Club Spring has sprung and OHCC Walkers and Hikers are taking advantage of our glorious weather. Please refer to our calendar on the OHCC website to see the hikes and walks that we have planned. We would love to have you join us! Even your furry friend is welcome on most walks. Of course, not all trails are dog friendly, so before you bring your dog, always check the walk or hike description written by the hiking leader. We have some great walks and hikes lined up for May. On May 9, we have a walk scheduled at Lake Hodges pedestrian bridge. On May 15, we will hike Double Peak from Discovery Lake. Then we will have a combination walk/hike on May 22 when we go to Annie's Canyon from North Rios Avenue. If you have never been to Annie's Canyon, it is a real favorite for our group and a real treat. We will end the month with a Carlsbad Beach Walk on May 29. We hope to see you on the trails! Written by Marla Reiter