Meadowview of Clive is partnering with Aging Resources of Central Iowa to bring a 16-week tai chi class to the community, beginning November 3, 2025. The donation-based course will be led by nutrition and wellness director Stephanie Labenz.
What Is Tai Chi?
The Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) describes tai chi as “an art embracing the mind, body and spirit. Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.”
Stephanie teaches the Sun style of tai chi popularized by TCHI founder Dr. Paul Lam. It is a slow-motion, low-impact exercise that focuses on mindfulness and weight transfer.
“This is 45 minutes of slowing your body down, connecting to your body, listening to how it feels and moving in the space that feels comfortable to you,” Stephanie says.
The Benefits of Tai Chi
Lam began utilizing tai chi to combat his arthritis and touts the practice as a way to improve many aspects of health.
According to Mayo Clinic, tai chi may help:
- Improve balance, flexibility and muscle strength
- Reduce falls in older adults
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Lower blood pressure
- Relieve chronic pain
- Increase energy, endurance and agility
Stephanie says participants in her classes have specifically reported decreased anxiety and improved balance, agility and the ability to walk heel-to-toe.
Who Can Do Tai Chi?
Because tai chi focuses on slow, low-impact movements, many people can practice it. For Stephanie’s classes, participants can stand, have a chair in front of them or stay seated.
Stephanie specifically recommends the class for those wanting to improve balance and strength, while trying to reduce the risk of falling. She starts by teaching six basic forms and then transitions to six advanced forms, depending on the abilities of the participants.
Try it and Keep Coming Back
Stephanie has been teaching tai chi for four years and gets excited when participants return to her class and give her positive feedback.
“The fact that they come back is amazing,” Stephanie says.
One particular woman was an avid pickleball player used to moving at a faster pace.
“She said, ‘You encouraged us to hang on and start flowing together as we learned the moves,’” Stephanie recalls. “She said, ‘I am so thankful I stuck with it.’ She said it was transformational because it slowed her down. With this, she gets to think, slow her body down and stretch in a way she hadn’t done before.”
Stephanie hopes others give it a try.
“If you’ve ever wondered about it, come check it out,” Stephanie says. “It’s just a matter of doing it because it’s so cool. If you can stick with it, it’s a game changer.”
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult your care team for personalized recommendations.