Want to feel steadier on your feet, move with more confidence and stay independent? Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance may be just the class for you. NDSU Extension-Barnes County and the Gaukler Wellness Center will offer another 12-week session of the evidence-based balance program beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. through Nov. 19 at the Gaukler Wellness Center, 733 8th Ave. SW in Valley City. The class is free, and participants do not need to be members of the Gaukler Wellness Center to attend. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance uses slow, intentional movements to improve strength, balance, flexibility, mobility and coordination while reducing the risk of falls. Participants practice everyday movements such as stepping, turning, shifting weight, reaching, improving posture and moving safely from sitting to standing. “Many of us notice that our balance changes as we get older. We may not recover from a stumble quite as quickly or feel as steady on stairs, uneven ground or ice,” said Susan Milender, NDSU Extension Educator in Barnes County. “The encouraging news is that falls are not simply an unavoidable part of aging. Balance can be improved.” Research behind the program is impressive. In one large clinical study involving adults age 70 and older, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance reduced falls by up to 58 percent. The program has also been shown to improve leg strength, posture, walking, mobility and confidence in movement. What makes the class especially appealing is that the movements are gentle, controlled and adaptable. “The goal is improvement, not perfection,” Milender said. “Participants often begin because they feel a little unsteady or stiff, and over time they start noticing that everyday activities—getting out of a chair, walking on uneven ground or simply moving around with confidence—become easier.” Participants have also talked about benefits beyond balance. “The exercises make me more mindful of my movements at home. They are also a tool for meditation and stress relief,” shared one participant. Another participant described it simply: “Excellent program. Everyone should participate. People should know how easy it is.” Along with the physical benefits, the twice-weekly class offers an opportunity to stay active, meet others and enjoy being part of a supportive group. The fall class will be led by Susan Milender, Stacy Ingstad, Teri Undem, Larissa Musgrave and Kristi Anderson. “We are fortunate to have the Gaukler Wellness Center as such a strong community partner,” Milender said. “They provide us with a wonderful space to offer this program, and together we’re able to make an evidence-based fall-prevention program available right here in Valley City at no cost.” The class begins Sept. 1 and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for 12 weeks. To register, call the Gaukler Wellness Center at (701) 845-3294

Want to feel steadier on your feet, move with more confidence and stay independent? Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance may be just the class for you. NDSU Extension-Barnes County and the Gaukler Wellness Center will offer another 12-week session of the evidence-based balance program beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. through Nov. 19 at the Gaukler Wellness Center, 733 8th Ave. SW in Valley City. The class is free, and participants do not need to be members of the Gaukler Wellness Center to attend. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance uses slow, intentional movements to improve strength, balance, flexibility, mobility and coordination while reducing the risk of falls. Participants practice everyday movements such as stepping, turning, shifting weight, reaching, improving posture and moving safely from sitting to standing. “Many of us notice that our balance changes as we get older. We may not recover from a stumble quite as quickly or feel as steady on stairs, uneven ground or ice,” said Susan Milender, NDSU Extension Educator in Barnes County. “The encouraging news is that falls are not simply an unavoidable part of aging. Balance can be improved.” Research behind the program is impressive. In one large clinical study involving adults age 70 and older, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance reduced falls by up to 58 percent. The program has also been shown to improve leg strength, posture, walking, mobility and confidence in movement. What makes the class especially appealing is that the movements are gentle, controlled and adaptable. “The goal is improvement, not perfection,” Milender said. “Participants often begin because they feel a little unsteady or stiff, and over time they start noticing that everyday activities—getting out of a chair, walking on uneven ground or simply moving around with confidence—become easier.” Participants have also talked about benefits beyond balance. “The exercises make me more mindful of my movements at home. They are also a tool for meditation and stress relief,” shared one participant. Another participant described it simply: “Excellent program. Everyone should participate. People should know how easy it is.” Along with the physical benefits, the twice-weekly class offers an opportunity to stay active, meet others and enjoy being part of a supportive group. The fall class will be led by Susan Milender, Stacy Ingstad, Teri Undem, Larissa Musgrave and Kristi Anderson. “We are fortunate to have the Gaukler Wellness Center as such a strong community partner,” Milender said. “They provide us with a wonderful space to offer this program, and together we’re able to make an evidence-based fall-prevention program available right here in Valley City at no cost.” The class begins Sept. 1 and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. for 12 weeks. To register, call the Gaukler Wellness Center at (701) 845-3294

Want to feel steadier on your feet, move with more confidence and stay independent? Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance may be just the class for you.