Tai Chi Classes
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
This course introduces you to the principles of Tai Chi and lays the foundation for your success with, and enjoyment of, this form of Chinese martial arts. Tai Chi is not only practiced for defense training but also for meditation and its many health benefits. You’ll first learn the proper techniques for warm-up exercises and the six basic movements of Tai Chi; then, ultimately, you’ll add the six advanced movements to your practice.
The class is suitable for anyone brand new to Tai Chi as well as those who would like to improve their practice. Our certified instructors teach both seated and standing positions to accommodate varying levels of ability. Dress comfortably for movement and stretching. No special equipment is necessary.
Class Schedules
All in-person Tai Chi classes meet once a week for 45 to 60 minutes at the following locations. If you would like to attend a specific in-person class, please contact the corresponding Senior Center directly. For a list of Senior Center addresses, please click here.
| Senior Center | Address | Day/Time | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center Point Senior Center | 335 Polly Reed Rd, Center Point, AL 35215 | Wednesday @ 12:30 p.m. | Adriene |
| Homewood Senior Center | 816 Oak Grove Rd., Homewood, AL 35209 | Wednesday @ 1:30 p.m. | Galina |
| Irondale Senior Center | 5313 Beacon Drive, Irondale, AL 35210 | Wednesday @ 10 a.m. | Galina |
| Mount Olive Senior Center | 2684 Mt. Olive Rd., Mt. Olive, AL 35117 | Thursday @ 11:45 a.m. | Candace |
| New Hope Senior Center | 1741 Jefferson Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 | Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. | Adriene |
| Shepherd Center Senior Center | 700 Huffman Rd., Birmingham, AL 35215 | Monday @ 10:30 a.m. | Adriene |
| Spring Gardens Senior Center | 201 Spring Garden Rd., Birmingham, AL 35217 | Thursday @ 9:15 a.m. | Adriene |
| St. John Senior Center | 1101 Alexander St, Dolomite, AL 35061 | Thursday @ 11:00 am | Adriene |
| Tarrant Senior Center | 1232 Faye Dr., Tarrant, AL 35217 | Monday @ 9:15 a.m. | Adriene |
| Titusville Senior Center | 401 Omega St., Birmingham, AL 35205 | Wednesday @ 9:15 a.m. | Adriene |
| Trussville Senior Center | 504 Cherokee Dr., Trussville, AL 35173 | Monday @ 12:30 p.m | Adriene |
Meet the Instructors:
Adriene Douglas, BASc, LMT
Having a curiosity for holistic arts almost a decade ago, Adriene began studying and practicing Qigong and later Tai Chi. In 2017, dedicating herself to a daily practice and immersion into the health aspects of Tai Chi, she began studying with the Tai Chi for Health Institute to improve her health as well as the health of her family and clients. As a senior trainer for Dr. Paul Lam, Adriene teaches several Tai Chi for Health Programs specializing in Tai Chi for Arthritis, which she teaches online and in person, either privately or in groups.
Galina Waites
Galina Waites has multiple certifications in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention as well as Tai Chi for Energy and Seated Tai Chi. She has many years of experience teaching multiple fitness programs and a never-ending passion for Tai Chi. She has taught Tai Chi for more than 10 years because she truly believes in the health benefits of this gentle, mindful and graceful exercise. It improves health, balance and coordination, and affects a person’s state of mind in many positive ways.
Candace Shrum
Candace first discovered her love of Tai Chi while taking classes at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. As a young adult, the practice helped her connect more deeply with her body and recognize her own inner strength. Over the past four years, her passion has been rekindled as she’s studied both the Sun Style 73 and the Yang Style. Now a certified Tai Chi instructor, Candace is a strong advocate for Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, believing it not only supports better health but also builds awareness of posture and balance as we age.